IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

web:  rER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  uf  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  In  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


□    Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

□    Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommag6e 

□    Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pellicul^e 


D 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


□    Coloured  maps/ 
Cartes  gdogrephiques  en  couleur 

□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


D 
D 
D 


D 


D 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 

Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serr6e  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distortion  le  long  de  la  marge  intdrieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 


Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfil'nd  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6t6  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  q<>'  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  methods  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquds  ci-dessous. 

□    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

□    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

n    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurdes  et/ou  pellicul^es 

I — 71    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
|v  I    Pages  d6color6es,  tachetdes  ou  piqudes 

□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  d^tachdes 


Tl 
tc 


Tl 

P 
o 
fi 


0 
b 
tl 

si 
o 
fi 
si 
o 


\y 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


□    Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Quality  in6gale  de  I'impression 

□    Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  suppldmentaire 

I — I    Only  edition  available/ 


D 


Seule  Edition  disponible 

Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  6t6  film6es  d  nouveau  de  fapon  d 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


T 
si 
T 
v\ 

^ 

d 

ei 
b 
ri 
n 
n 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  film6  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqu6  ci-dessous. 


10X 

14X 

18X 

22X 

26X 

30X 

^ 

__^ 

V 

12X 

16X 

20X 

24X 

28X 

32X 

The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Library  of  the  Public 
Archives  of  Canada 


L'exemplaire  filmA  fut  reproduit  grAce  k  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

La  bibliothdque  des  Archives 
publiques  du  Canada 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Las  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  at 
de  la  nettet6  de  I'exempiaire  fiimi,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  ccers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  Impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimie  sont  film6s  en  commen9ant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  nn  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commenpant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  -^  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seiil  cischd,  il  est  film6  A  partir 
de  Tangle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n6cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  m^thode. 


1 

2 

3 

32X 


■      t  .   : 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

i. 


THE 

INDlxVN  CAPTIVE; 

OR    A 

NARRATIVE 


OF    THE 


'.  ■  > 


Caj^tftJitp  and  c^uffettn0^ 


iTi  ! 


,'  .     ...  :   I 

•  1     •  '  '^ 


HI' 


OF 


-.<  •• 


ZADOCK  STEELE. 

RELATED  BY  HIMSELF. 

TO  WHICH  IS  PREFIXED  AfZ  AOCUUKT 
OF    THE 

BURNING  OF  ROYALTON. 


Hath  thU  been  in  your  days,  or  even  in  the  days  of  your  fath- 
ers ?  TtfA  ye  youi  children  of  it,  and  let  your  children  tcB 
their  chiiireu  and  lUEiRchildr-n  another  generation. 

Job.1m. 


MO.^rrpELiBR^  Vt. 

PUBLISHED  xry    THF.   AUTHOR. 

£.  P.   Wa  ton,  Printeri 


Itivs. 


'■!%• 


f '., 


0^ 


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•>> 


r,iM 


J 


l^s  ■  M 


DISTRICT  OF  V  EllMONT,  To  wit  : 

(l.  s.)  Be  it  remembered ,  that  on  the  twen- 
ty-fifth (lay  of  January,  in  the  forty-second 
year  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America,  HOlMCtl  STEELE,  of  the 
said  District,  hath  deposited  in  this  office,  the 
title  of  a  B()oli\  tlie  right  whereof,  he  claims  as 
Proprietor,  in  the  words  folloAving,  to  wit  : 

•^Tlie  Indian  Ca])tive  ;  or  a  narrative  of  the 
captivity  and  sufterings  of  Zadock  Steele,  lie- 
iated  hy  himself.  To  wliich  is  preiiv^'d,  an  ac- 
count of  the  burning;  of  lloValton.  Hath  this 
been  in  your  days,  or  even  in  the  days  of  your 
fathers?  Tell  ye  vour  children  of  it,  and  let 
yonr  children  tell  their  children,  and  their  chil 
dren,  another  generation.— Joel.'^ 

In  conformity  to  tlie  act  of  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  entitled,  "An  act  for  the  en- 
couragement cf  learning,  hy  securing  the  cop- 
ies tf  Maps,  Cliarts,  and  Books  to  the  authors 
and  j)roprietors  of  such  copies^  tluring  the 
times  therein  mentioned.''  ^ 

JESSE  GOVE/    lt!^,r^f^T 

^    J    trict  oj   Vermont. 


'%>.. 


i«*M<$«f 


Mit' 


>  wit  : 

IC  two  11- 

r- second 

d  States 

of  the 

ffice,  the 

laims  as 

irit  : 

:e  of  the 

le.    iie- 

d,  an  ac" 

[ath  thin 

of  your 

and  let 

eii*  chil 


J 


.IJJVERTISEMEJS^T. 

The  Author  of  this  worJc,  neither  seelcs^ 
nor  expects  praise.  To  preserve  in  memory 
the  sufferini^s  of  our  fathers^  is  the  princi- 
pal ofjject  of  its  piildication.  As  no  particu- 
lar account  of  the  burning  of  Moyalton^  had 
ever  before  been  jmblishedy  it  ivas  thought  adr 
visable  that  it  should  be  prefixed  to  the  '^  JSTar- 
rative,^'  which  was  about  to  be  printed. 

The  great  confusion  ivhich  prevailed  on 
tliat  dreadful  day:  the  long  lapse  of  i'me 
since  the  event ;  the  disadvantages  resulting 
from  the  frailty  of  human  recollection^  andth^ 
ivriter^s  inexperience,  is  the  only  apology  h^ 


\  1^  offers  for  the  imperfections  of  the  work, 
^^^    For  the  information  respecting  this  tragic- 


of  the 
the  en- 

|the  cop- 
autliors 

ling   the 

le  Bis' 

\rmont. 


%l  scene,  he  is  indebted  to  the  goodness  of 
General  Stevens,  Colonel  Edson^  and  other^j 
who  were  eye-witnesses, 


P' 


h' 


rr;/ 


^ 


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K. 


■r<: 


1. 


u 


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M. 


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■\) 


BURNING  OF  ROYALTOX. 

AS  ail  union  of  interest  always  strengthens 
ilie  bonds  ofaflection;  so  a  participation  in 
extreme  suffering's  will  never  fail  to  prodnca 
a  mutual  sensibility.  Prompted  by  a  i:;encr- 
ous  glow  of  filial  love  and  affection,  we  gen- 
erally take  delight  in  surveying  whatever  gav4 
our  forefathers  joy;  and  are  ready  to  drop  =i 
sympathetic  tear,  when  we  revievv  the  s^itWii- 
lugs  whicij  they  have  undergone.  iJut,  con- 
Irary  to  the  laws  of  sympathy,  and  justice, 
the  attention  of  tbe  public  is  often  engrossed 
witli  accounts  of  the  more  dreadfid  conflagra- 
tions of  populous  cities  in  foreign  countries,  or 
the  defeat  of  armies  in  the  field  of  carnage ; 
while  the  destruction  of  small  frontier  settle- 
ments, by  the  Indian  tribes,  in  our  own  coun- 
try, is,  at  the  same  time,  little  known,  if  not 
entirely  forgotten.  Thus,  tbe  miseries  of  our 
neighbors  and  friends  around  us,  whoac  bitter 
cries  have  been  heard  in  our  stret\ts,  arc  tori 
soften  suffered  %  pass  unnoticed  dovwti  the  cur- 
rent of  time  into  the  tomb  of  oblivion. 
^  The  burning  of  Royaltou  was  an  event 
most  inauspicious  and  distressh)^  to  the  jL'st 
settlers  of  that  town.  Noi'  is  it  a  little  strung 
that,  among  the  numerous  auUiOFs,  who  hntf^ 
recorded  tbe  events  of  the  A*w5^5'i^^*i  fevot^^ 
tion.  Slime  ©f  them  have  not  giyetl  '^^^^ffi 
their  works  to  a  more  full  detail  of  !tliat  l^il|^i 
ih'p,  scene.  i  ' 

Laboring  under  all  the  difficulties  rmd  hai# 

A  S  ■    ■  ■■ 


'^«.■. 


:tf 


y'-,-' 


Mii^i 


il 


^ 


8  BURNING  OF       '        ; 

sliips  to  which  our  infant  settlements  were  gen- 
erally subject ;  and  striving  by  persevering 
industry  to  soar  above  every  obstacle,  wbicli 
might  present  itself  to  obstruct  tiieir  progress; 
they  had  filled  their  barns  witb  the  fruits  f)f 
the  land ;  their  store- houses  were  crowded 
with  the  comforts  of  life^  and  all  nature  seem- 
ed to  wear  a  propitious  smile.  All  around 
them  promised  prosperity.  They  were  far 
removed  from  the  noise  of  war,  and,  though 
conscious  of  their  danger,  ftmdly  hoped  they 
should  escape  the  ravages  of  a  savage  foe. 

Royalton  was  chartered  in  the  year  1779- 
A  considerable  settlement,  however,  had  ta- 
ken place  previous  to  that  time ;  and  the  town 
v/as  in  a  thriving  condition.  Large  stocks  of 
cattle,  which  would  confer  honor  upon  the  en- 
terprise of  farmers  in  old  countries,  wer« 
here  seen  grazing  in  their  fields. 

United  by  common  interest ;  living  on  terms 
of  friendship,  and  manifesting  that  each  one 
in  a  good  degree  "  loved  his  neighbor  as  hii 
self,'^  harmony  prevailed  in  their  borders ;  so 
cial  happiness  was  spread  around  their  fire- 
sides 5  and  plenty  crowned  their  labors.  But, 
alas  !  the  dreadful  reverse  remains  to  be  told  ! 
While  joys  possessed,  were  turned  to  sor- 
rows, their  hopes  for  joys  to  come,  were  blast- 
ed. And  as  the  former  strongly  marked  the 
grievous  coitrast  between  a  state  of  prosperi- 
and  affliction ;  the  latter  only  showed  the  fal- 
I  lacy  of  premising  ourselves  the  fvitiire. 

On  the  morning  of  tli«  16tli  of  Octobferj,  A 


V 


ROYALTON. 


D.  i780 — before  the  dawn  ijft  (Liy,  the  inhiibi- 
tants  of  thi*;  town  were  surprised  hy  the  ap- 
proach of  about  three  hundred  Indian*,  of  va- 
rious tribes.  Tiiey  were  UmI  [»y  thu  Caghiiewa- 
t:;a  tribe,  and  had  h\ft  (!anada,  intendin:^  t** 
tlestroy  Newbury,  a  town  in  the  eastern  pait 
of  Vermont,  on  Connecticut  liiver.  A  lirit- 
ish  Lieutenant  by  the  name  of  Uorton,  was 
their  chief  commander,  and  one  LeMott,  a 
Frenchman,  Avas  Ids  second.  Tlieir  pilot  or 
leader,  was  a  de.«picable  vilhiin,  by  tlie  name 
of  Hamilton,  who  had  been  made  prisoner,  by 
the  Americans  at  the  taking  of  Bur^oyn,  in 
1777.  He  had  been  at  Newbury  and  Royal- 
ton  the  preceding  summer,  on  parole  of  hon- 
or, left  the  latter  place  with  several  others  un- 
der pretence  of  going  to  survey  land.*^  in  the 
northei'n  part  of  this  State,  and  went  directly 
to  the  enemy.  He  was  doubtless  the  flrsV  in- 
stigator of  those  awful  depredations  which 
were  the  bitter  fmits  of  this  expedition,  and 
ought  to  stam]^  his  name  with  infamy  Aud  dii- 
grace,  -.  * 

On  their  way  thither,  ^tis  said,  they  came 
across  several  men  from  Newbury,  who  were 
engaged  m  hunting,^  near  the  plrtce  where 
Montpelier  Village  now  stands,  and  made 
them  prisoners.  They  made  known  their  ob- 
ject to  these  hunters^  and  enquired  of  them 
whether  an  armed  force  was  stationed  at  New- 
bury. Knowing  the  defenceless^  state  of  that 
tow9,  and  hoping  they  sfaoald  be  able  to  in- 
daee  th^Iu^ans  to  relinquish  tlieir  object  aiid 


BURNING  OF 


1 


i 


» 


rotiirn  to  C'aiiaila,  tliey  ioUl  them  tlial  such  an 
armiMl  ^^arrisuii  ^vas  kept  at  Ncwhiiry,  aa 
would  render  it  extrtmely  fhtii:^pr()iiH  for  thcin 
to  approach.  Thus  nrtfully  disseni!)liu2;  by 
ambiguity  of  expresson,  the  true  condition  of 
their  fellow  townsmen,  and  liko  Kahab  the 
liarlot,  saved  their  fathers  house  from  des- 
truction. 

Unwilling,  however,  that  their  cxpediiiou 
^-hould  prove  wholly  fruitless,  they  turned 
their  course  to  Royalton.  No  arguments 
uhich  the  prisoners  could  adduce,  were  suffi- 
cient to  persuade  them  from  that  determina- 
tion. 

Following  up  Onion  River  as  far  as  the 
mouth  of  Stevens'  branch,  wliich  empties  into 
ilie  river  at  JVIoutpelier,  they  steered  their 
course  through  Barre,  at  that  time  called  AVil- 
dersburgh  ;  proceeded  up  Gaol  branch,  which 
fonns  a  part  of  Stevens'  brancli,  and  travelled 
over  the  mountains,  through  Orange  and 
Washington ;  thence  down  the  first  branch  of 
White  River,  through  Chelsea^and  Tunbridgc 
to  Royalton.  *  They  laid  In  their  encampment 
at  Tunbridgc,  not  far  distant  from  Royalton, 
during  the  Sabbath,  the  jlay  preceding  their 
attack  upon  the  latter  piace,  for* the  purpose- of 
concerting  measures,  to  carry  into  effect  their 
atrocious  and  malignant  designs.  Here  were 
matured  those  diaboiical  seeds  of  depredation 
and  cruelty,  from  which  sprang  bitterness,  sor- 
row, and  death ! 
J     As  they  en  ored  the  town  before  day  light 


n 


ROYALTON. 


0 


appcaritl,  darkness  covered  their  appro ncli^ 
and  tliey  were  not  discovered  till  Monday 
niorninj;,  at  dawn  of  day,  when  they  entered 
the  house  of  Mr.  John  Hutchinson,  who  resi- 
ded not  far  from  the  line,  separating  Royalton 
from  Tiinbridge.  He  was  totally  ignorant  of 
tkeli*  approach,  and  wholly  unsuspicious  of 
danger,  till  they  burst  the  door  upon  him. 

Here  they  took  Mr.  John  Hutchinson,  and 
Al)ijah  Hutchinson  his  brother,  prisoncj*s,  and 
plundered  the  house ;  crossed  the  first  branch, 
and  went  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Robert  Havens, 
who  lived  at  a  small  distance  from  Mr.  Hutch- 
inson's. Mr.  Havens  had  gone  out  into  his 
pasture  in  pm^suit  of  his  sheep ;  and  bavins: 
ascended  a  hill  about  forty  rods  from  his  house, 
hearing  his  neighbor  Hutchinson's  dog  bark, 
halted,  and  sLood  in  pensive  silence.  Here  he 
listened-^with  deep  anxiety  to  know  the  extent 
of  the  evil  he  feared.  But  alas  !  he  little  ex- 
pected to  find  a  herd  of  savage  men.  JEt 
was  his  oaly  fear  that  some  voracious  animal 
WLs  among  his  sheep,  which  so  disturbed  the 
watchful  dog.  While  he  listened  in  silence, 
with  his  thoughts  suspended,  he  heard  a  noise, 
as  of  sheep  or  cattle  running,  wifh  full  speed, 
through  the  water.  Casting  his  eye  to  the 
west,  towards  his  own  dwelling,  he  beheld  a 
company  of  Indians,  just  entmng  the  door ! 
Seeing  his  own  danger,  he  immedifitely  laid 
down  under  a  log,  and  hid  himself  from  their 
^ht     But  he  could  not  hide  sorrow  from  his ., 


10 


BURNING 


mind.  Here  he  wept !  Tears  trickling  down 
his  wiiliered  cheeks,  bespoke  the  anguish  of 
his  soul,  while  he  thought  upon  the  distress  of 
his  family.  With  groanings  unutterable  he 
lay  awliile ;  heard  the  piercing  shrieks  of  his 
bcioved  wife,  and  saw  his  sons  escaping  for 
their  lives.  ,  ^ 


Bath'd  in  tears  the  h'^nry  sage  r 

In  sorrow  lay  coriceal'd  ;  while  death 

In  fri»hlfiiHorm.  slood  thick  aroiihd  him, 

With   bovr-bent  rcndine««,  and  arruws  dip'd 

In  venom,  promii^uons  fl^ingf. 

Vigilenee  with  his  ;ears  had  fltd,  VT 

And  hope  was  almo«t  ont  of  *ip;ht; 

Safety  quite  gone,  aj»d  far  beyond  hie  reach. 


\4- 


'  "■»; 


f  v..  • 


'  '■  c 


■4 


I 


Laden  with  the  weight  of  years,  decripeil 
and  infirm,  he  was  sensible  if  he  appeared  in 
eight,  it  would  prove  his  death.  He  therefore 
resolved  not  to  move  until  a  favorable  oppor- 
tunity presented.  His  son,  Daniel  Havens, 
and  Thomas  Pember,  were  in  the  house,  and 
made  their  appearance  at  the  door,  a  little  be- 
fore the  Indians  came  up.  Beholding  the  foe 
but  few  rods  distant,  they  run  for  their  lives, 
Oauiel  Havens  made  his  escape  by  throwing 
himself  over  a  hedge  fence,  down  the  bank  of 
the  branch,  and  crawling  under  a  log ;  al- 
though a  large  number  of  the  Indians  passed 
directly  over  it,  in  pursuit  c^f  him.  Who  ctci 
tell  the  fears  that  agitated  his  bosom,  while 
these  savage  pursuers,  stepped  upon  the  log 
under  which  he  lay !    And  wl  o  can  tell  ^^ 


<i» 


PvOYALTON. 


11 


joys  he  fcltj  when  lie  saw  tlicm  pass  off,  leav- 
ing him  in  safety  !    A   quick   transition   from 
painful  fear,    and   iminent    danger,   to  joyful 
peace  and  calm   retirement.      They  pursued 
Thomas  Pember,  till  they  came  so  near  as  to 
throw  a  spear  at  him,  which  pierced  his  body, 
and  put  an  end  to  his  existence.     He  run  some 
time,  however,  after  he  was  wounded,  till  by 
loss  of  blood,  he  fainted,  fell,  and  was  unable 
to  proceed  farther.     The  savage  monsters  came 
up,  several  times  thrust  a   spear  through  his 
body,  took  off  his    scalp,  and   left  him,  food 
f<^r  worms !       While   they   were    tearing  his 
scalp  from  his  head,  how  did  his  dying  groans 
pierce  the  skies  and  call  on  Him,    v/ho  holds* 
the  scales  of  justice,  to  mark  their  crueliy,  and 
avenge  his  blood ! 

He  hud  spent  the  night  previous,  at  th« 
house  of  Mr.  Havens,  engaged  in  amorous 
conversation  with  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Havens, 
who  was  his  choice  compajion,  the  intended 
partner  of  his  lifo. 


W\ 


(( 


•What  jealous  eares 


Hang  on  h'n  parJing  loul  to  think  I  is  love 
ExposM  to   v^ild  oppre«isioD  and  a  hvrd 
Or  savai^e  men  :"  while  himself  by 
With  hi*  eyes  uplif(«fd.  fainiing,  dooiu'd 
To  vtait,  ttiid  iVel  the  fatal  blow.  t. 


By  imagination  we  view 


_, the  fair  9»n1vor, 

surrounded  by  the  savage  tribe,  whose  %%ht- 
ful  aspect  threatened  ruin ;  her  soul  oWwl^elm* 


ir 


! 


w 


itt 


BURNING  OF 


cd  with  fear,  wnA  stung  with  grief,   bereft   of! 
her   dearest  friend.       Hear  her   exclaimin$;i 
with  sorrowful  actents,  in  the  language  of  the 
Poet: 


r 


*•  You  sacred  mourners  of  a  nobler  mould, 
Born  for  a  i'riend  whose  dear  embraces  hold 
Beyond  all  nature^s  tieg  ;  you  tbat  bare  known 
Twe  happy  souls  made  intimately  one, 
And  felt  the  parting  stroke  ;  'tis  you  must  feel 
The  smart)  the  twinges,  and  the  racks,  1  feel ; 
This  fonl  of  mine,  that  dreadful  wound  has  borne 
Otf  from  its  side  its  dearest  half  is  torn. 
The  rest  lies  bleeding,  and  but  lives  to  mourn 


9 

>rne  1 

"  i 


f  <t 


They  made  the  house  of  Mr.  Havens  theirj 
rallying  point,  or  post  of  observation,  and  sta- 
tioned a  part  of  thieir  company  there  to  guard] 
their  baggage,  and  make  preparations  for  re- 
treat, when  they  had  completed  their  work  o^ 
destruction.     Like  tlie  messenger  of  death,  si- 
lent  and  merciless,  they  were  scarcely   seer 
till  felt.     Or  if  seen,  filled  the  mind  with  ter- 
ror, nor  often  aiforded  opportunity  for  escape] 
Moving  with   violent   steps,   they   proceeded 
down  the  first  branch   to   its  mouth,    while 
number  armed  with  spears,   led  the   van,  and] 
were  followed  by  others,  armed  with  musket«| 
and  scalping  knives.     The  former  they  callec 
rmmerSf  who  were  directed  to   kill  all   thos 
who  should  be  overtaken  in  an  attempt  to  e( 
cape,  while  the  latter  were  denominated^? 
Tiers,  took  charge  of  the  prisoners;  and  scf 
«d  those  who  were  killed.  a 


i:-i^r. 


W-- '»*■"--      .^-,-1-  :A.\*jU*fHH'7 


ROYALTON. 


13 


^S 


They  had  not  proceeclcd  far  before  a  yoiini 
man  by  he  name  of  Elias  Button,  being  ignor- 
ant of  their  approach,  made  liis  appearance  in 
tlie  road,  but  a  few  rods  from  them.  Espying 
his  danger,  he  turned  and  ran  with  the  great- 
est possible  speed  in  his  pow  er,  to  escape  their 
cruel  hands.  The  savage  tribe  pursued  him 
with  their  usual  agility;  vSoon  overtook  the 
trembling  youth  ;  pierced  his  body  with  their 
speani;  took  off  his  scalp,  and  left  him  welter- 
ing in  his  gore!  Young,  vigorous,  and  healthy, 
and  blest  w  ith  the  brightest  hopes  of  long  life, 
and  good  days ;  he  was  overtaken  by  the  mer- 
ciless stroke  of  death,  without  having  a  min- 
utes warning.  Innocence  and  bravery  were  no 
shield,  nor  did  activity  secure  him  a  safe  re- 
treat. 

That  they  might  be  enabled  to  fall  upon  the 
inhabitants,  unaw  ares,  and  thereby  secure  a 
gieater  number  of  prisoners,  as  w ell  as  procure 
a  gi'eater  quantity  of  plunder,  they  kept  pro- 
found silence  till  they  had  arrived  at  the  mouth 
of  the  branch. 

After  killing  Pember  and  Button,  and  taking 
such  plunder  as  most  pleased  their  fancy,  they 
proceeded  to  the  house  of  Joseph  Knecland, 
who  resided  about  half  a  mile  distant  from  the 
house  of  Mr.  Havens.  Here  they  found 
Messrs.  Simeon  Belknap,  Giles  Gibbs,  and 
Jonathan  Brown,  together  with  Joseph  Knee" 
land  and  his  aged  father,  all  of  whom  they  , 
tnade  prisoners.     Tl cy  ^"^n  ver.t fe  tfie liOTipe 


S7 


\i>! 


iii 


BURNING  OF 


of  Mr.  Elias  Curtis,  where  they  took  Mr.  Cur- 
tis, Johu  Keut  and  Peter  Masou.     Mr*^.  Curtis 
had  just  waked  from  theshinihcrs  of  the  nighty 
and    was   about  dressing  herself  as   she   sat 
upon  her  bed,  when   the  savage  monsters  en- 
tered the  door,  and  one  of  them  instantly  flew 
at  her  with   a  large  knife  in   his  hand,   and 
sci/.ed  her  by  the  neck,    apparently   intending 
to  cut  her  throat     While  in  the  very   attitude 
of  mflrcting  tlie   fatal   wound,  the  min-derous 
wretch  discovered   a   string  of  gold   beads  a- 
round  her  neck,  which  attracted  his   attention 
^nd  prevented  the  dreadful    stroke  of  death. 
^IThiW  his  avidity  for  gold  allayed  his  thirst  for 
luiman  blood.     Ilis  raging  passions  were  sud- 
denly cooled;    curiosity   restrained   his    ven- 
geance, and  spared  tlie  life  of  the   frightened 
ol)j*'ct  of  his   cruelty.     He  had  put  the  knife 
Lo  licr  throat,  and  eternity  seemed  open  to  her 
view,  but  instead  of  taking   her  life,  he  only 
took   her  beads,  and  left  her  rejoicing  at  her 
d  el  iverance.     Th  e  barbarous  looks  of  the  w  ick- 
ed  cTew  bespoke  their  malignant   designs,  and 
caused  horror  and  dismay  to  till  the  minds  of 
all  who  beheld  them.     But  alas  !  who  can  tell 
what  horror  thrilled  the  bosom   of  this    trem- 
blhig  woman!  What  feaiful   pangs  were  made 
to  pierce  her  soul !  Behold  the  tawny    wretch, 
v»ith  countenance  wild,    and  a^vful   grimaces, 
standing  by  her  bed-side,    holding  her  ])y  the 
tliroat,  with  one  hand,  and  the  weapon  of  death 
^  in  the  other!  See,  standing  around  her  a  crowd 


J' 
'r 


ROYALTON. 


13 


of  brutal  savages,  Uie  sons  of  violence ;  foul 
tormentors.  In  vain  do  1  attempt  to  paint  the 
scene.  Nor  Avill  I  pretend  to  describe  the  feel- 
ings of  a  kind  and  tender  mother,  who,  repo- 
sing in  the  arms  of  sleep,  with  her  inftint  at 
her  bosom,  is  roused  from  lier  slumbers  by  the 
approach  of  a  tribe  of  savage  Indians,  at  her 
bed-side. 

'•  No  Uaiisji^is  seen  ;  no  ft?ar  to  raise  a  si2;!i ; 
No  dani;ers  fearM  ;  and  yet  was  ruin  ni^li. 
Dark  was  the  riij^lil,  atid  scarce  a  tremblint*  breze 
Was  lieard  lo  wliisper  thro'  the  neia;hbari»j«;  tree:*, 
When  to  sleep's  arms  the  hoiis?Lohl  was  wiihdra\^n, 
To  rest  in  safety  till  the  morrow's  dawn  ; 
The  morrow  dawns  and  blushes  at  the  >-i,2;ht 
Of  bloody  icene«,  that  shun  '^electing  light; 
Urg'd  by  a  oameless  thirst  for  human  j^rey. 
A  savage  band  appioaeh'd  where  beauty  lay  ; 
Where  ion •ceMce,  and  youtli,  and  a^e  recUu'd 
In  sleep,  refreshisisf  as  the  soiiihern  wind. 
The  sire,  thout^h  bendiua;  with  a  load  of  years, 
To  tiave  his  dan2;bler — every  dansier  dares  ; 

l)v  «i>me  rcui;h  liaod  this  ancient  hero  dies 

The  tremblinu;  inoiher  for  her  husband  si-.vhs  ; 

Si»bs  and  entreats  to  spare  her  infant's  life. 

Her  siofhs  they  hear,  and  spare  bim — with  the  knife. 

Pleafi'd  ^^i(h  tlie  charm  of  beaiity  drench'd  ia  ttaiS, 

The  savac;^  tribe  to  {gloomy  desarls  bears 

The  we^^'jingf  uioiher.  void  of  all  defence^ 

Save  what  she  hnped  from  Heav'n  and  innecence" 

To  prevent  an  alarm  from  being  sounded  a- 
broad,  they  commanded  the  ]n*ispners  to  keep 
8ilei  ce,  on  pain  of  death.  A^rile^  tbe  afflicted 
inhabitants  beheld  their  propciato^  wa^i^^  and 
their  lives  exposed  to  tlie  arrmvS  of  fleath*  it 
caused  their  hearts  to  swell  with  giief.     But 


1'   I 


16 


BURNING  OF 


they  were  debarred  the  privilege  of  making 
known  their  suflering<?  to  their  nearest  friends, 
or  even  to  pour  out  their  ciies  of  distress^ 
while  surrounded  by  the  savage  band^  whose 
malevolent  appearance  could  not  fail  to  spread 
fear  and  distress  in  every  bosom.  They  plun- 
dered eveyy  house  they  found  till  they  arrived 
at  the  mouth  of  the  branch.  Here  the  com- 
mander, a  British  officer,  took  his  stand  with  a 
small  party  cf  Indians,  while  some  went  up,  and 
others  down,  on  each  side  cf  the  river,  to  com- 
plete the  work  of  destruction.  They  had  already 
taken  several  horses^  wliich  some  of  them  rode, 
to  facilitate  their  march  and  enable  them  to  o- 
vertake  those  who  attempted  to  make  their  es- 
cape. Frightened  at  the  horrible  appearance 
of  their  riders,  who  were  in  no  way  qualified 
to  manage  them,  the  horses  served  rather  to 
impede,  than  hasten  their  progress. 

Instigated  by  "  the  powers  of  darkncs  ;'^ 
fired  with  rage;  eager  to  obtain  that  booty 
which  they  acquired  by  the  pillage  of  houses  ; 
and  fearful  at  the  same  time,  that  they  should 
themselves  fall  a  prey  to  the  American  forces, 
they  pursued  their  ravages  with  infuriated 
zeal,  and  violence  and  horror  attended  their 
movement. 

**  Uproar,  rei'eni^e.  ant!  rage,  and  hate  appear 
]n  all  their  mnrderous  forms;  and  flamt  and  bloody 
And  sweat,  and  dust  array  the  broad  campaign 
la  horror  ;  hasty  feet,  and  sparkling  eyes, 
And  all  the  savage  passions  of  the  soul, 
Engage  in  the  warm  business  of  the  day.'* 


4H 

4- 


ilOYALTON. 


ly 


GrtvL.  Elias  Stevens,  wlio  resided  in  the  first 
house  on  the  river  above  the  mouth  cf  the 
branch,  had  gone  down  the  river  about  two 
miles,  and  was  engaged  at  work  with  his  oxen 
andca\-t.  While  busily  employed  in  h)ading  his 
cart,  casting  his  eye  up  the  river,  he  beheld  a 
man  approaching,  bare-headed,  with  his  horse 
upon  the  run ;  who,  seeing  Gen.  Stevens,  cri- 
ed out  "  for  God's  sake,  turn  out  your  oxen, 
for  the  Indians  are  at  the  mill/'*  Gen.  Stc- 
^  ens  hastened  to  unyoke  hi*  oxen,  turned  tlicr.i 
out,  and  immediately  mounted  his  horse,  aud 
started  tu  return  to  his  family,  filled  with  fear- 
ful apprehensions  for  the  fate  of  his  beloved 
w  ife,  and  tender  oflspring !  He  hHd  left  them 
in  apparent  safety,  reposing  in  t!i3  arms  of 
sleep.  Having  proceecled  on  his  return,  about 
half  way  home,  he  met  Capt.  Joseph  I'arkhurst, 
M'ho  informed  him  tliat  the  Indians  were  but  a 
few  rods  distant,  in  swift  pursuit  down  ilit 
river,  and  that  unless  he  returned  immediatelv 
he  would  inevitably  fall  into  their  hands. 

Apprized  of  his  danger,  he  turned,  and,^|ipcom 
panied  the  Captain  down  thei^uer.  Cijnjugal 
andpaterntal  affection  alone  cail:  surest  u>  the 
immagination  of  the  reader, /W|i^<  were  the 
feelings  of  Grtn.  Stevens,  when  comi^lfed  foi 
his  own  safety,  to  leave  the  wife  of^f^  btr^om^ 
and  their  little  ones,  to  the  merc^i^pitavagc 

•The  mills,  to  wliich   he  referred*    oWit^jLlUy  ft  Mr. 
^lorgan,   wero  si'uuted  on  the  firsi  lytll^Sl 


mtiuih 


wdSi-  -':. 


B» 


IS 


BURNING  OF 


"*:• 


foe!  Whjit  pains  dill  he  feel  when  he  found 
himself  deprived  of  all  possible  means  to  aflbrd 
them  relief !  Nor  could  he  expect  a  more  favora- 
ble event,  than  to  find  them  all  sacrificed  at  the 
shrine  of  savage  barbarity  !  Who,  not  totally 
devoid  of  sympathy,  can  refrain  to  drop  a  tear, 
as  he  reflects  upon  those  painful  emotions, 
which  agitated  the  General's  breast,  when  he 
was  forced  to  turn  his  back  4)on  his  beloved 
family,  while  thus  exposed  to  danger !  In- 
deed, it  was  his  only  source  of  consolation, 
that  he  might  be  able  to  aflbrd  assistance  to 
liis  defenceless  neighbors.  And  as  they  soon 
came  to  the  house  of  Deacon  Daniel  Rix,  he 
there  found  opportunity  to  lend  the  hand  of 
pity.  Gen.  Stevens  took  Mrs.  Rix  and  two 
or  three  children  with  him  upon  his  horse  ; 
Capt.  Parkhur  t  took  Mrs.  Benton,  and  several 
children  upon  his  horse  with  him,  and  they  all 
rodaoffas  fast  as  possible,  accompanied  by 
Deacon  Ilix  and  several  others  on  foot,  till 
they  arrived  at  the  place  where  tlie  General 
first  received  the  alarm.  Filled  with  anxiety 
for  his  family,  and  not  having  seen  any  In- 
dians, Gen.  Stevens,  here  concluded  again  to  re- 
turn, liopii)g  he  fehould  be  able  to  reach  home  in 
time  to  secure  his  household  from  danger,  be- 
fore the  Indians  arriv^.  Leaving  Mrs.  Rix 
and  children  in  the  care  of  a  Mr.  BuiToughs, 
he  started  forl|jdm0  aftd  had  proceeded  about 
half  a  mile,  wten  iie  discovered  the  Indians 
ill  the  road  aheafl  of  him,  but  ft  few  rods  dis- 


ROYALTON. 


19 


iaiiL  He  quickly  tiirnod  about ;  hastened  liis 
retreat ;  soon  overtook  the  rompany  he  !iad  left^ 
and  entreated  them  imnu  diately  to  leave  the 
road  and  take  to  the  ^voods  to  prevent  being 
taken.  TJiose  who  were  on  foot  jumped  over 
the  fence,  hastened  to  tlie  woods,  out  of  sight 
of  the  Indians,  where  tliey  remained  in  safety, 
undiscovere'd  by  the  savage  foe,  who  kept  the 
road  in  pursuit  of  General  Stevens.  Repass- 
ed down  the  road  about  half  a  mile,  and  came 
to  the  house  of  Mr.  Tilly  Parkhust,  his  fathr 
er  in  law.  Seeing  his  sister  engaged  in  milk- 
ing by  the  barn,  he  ^'  told  her  to  leave  her 
cow  immediately  or  the  Indians  would  have 
her,''  and  left  her  to  secitre  her  own  retreat. — 
They  were  now  in  plain  sight,  not  more  than 
eighty  or  an  hundred  rods  oJQT.  The  road  was 
full  of  them,  running  like  blood-hounds. — 
The  General  rode  to  the  house,  told  them  to 
nm  for  their  lives,  and  proceeded  to  warn  oth- 
ers who  lived  contiguous.  By  this  time  the 
way  was  filled  with  men,  women  and  children, 
and  a  large  body  of  Indians  in  opetttv^iew,  but 
just  behind  them.  The  savage  trib«^  now  be- 
gan to  make  the  surrounding  wild^nasS  re- 
echo with  their  frightful  yells.  Frigj^ned 
and  alarmed  for  their  safety,  cliildren  ciaj^ii^ 
their  parents,  and  half  distracted  moth 
ed  with  fearful  apprehensions  of  appr* 
destruction,  were  heard  to  make  the  air  jre 
with  their  cries  of  distress  !  Gen  Sterens^'J^- 
ileavored  to  get  them  into  the  wopds^  quI 


M 


BURNING  OF 


si2;lit  of  tlie  Indians.  Fear  had  usui^ed  the 
poMcr  of  reason,  and  wiwdom'H  voice  was 
di'Dwned  in  ihe  torrent  of  distraction.  There 
was  no  lime  for  argument.  All  was  at  stake.  "^ 
The  enemy  hard  by,  and  fast  approacliing. — 
Defenceless  mothers,  with  helpless  iiif  mts  in 
their  arms,  fleeing  for  their  lives !  Des])air 
was  spread  hefMie  them,  while' the  roarin;:; 
•flood  ( f  destruction,  seemed  rolling  behind 
them  !  Few  could  be  persuaded  to  go  into  tlie 
Moods,  and  most  of  them  kept  the  road  till 
thejffarrived  at  the  house  of  Capt.  E.  Parkhui'st, 
in  Sharon.  Here  they  halted  a  moment  to 
take  breath,  hoping  they  should  not  be  pursu- 
ed any  farther.  Tlie  Indians  being  taken  up 
in  plundering  the  houses,  had  now  fallen  con- 
siderably in  the  rear.  But  the  unhappy  vic- 
tims of  distress,  had  not  long  been  here,  when 
the  cruel  pursuers  again  appeared  in  sight. 

Screaming  and  crying,  now  witnessed  the 
horrors  of  that  dreaxlful  scene.  Groans  and 
tears  bespoke  the  feelings  of  a  heart  agita- 
ted  witli  fear,  and  swollen  with  grief!  There 
was  no  time  to  be  lost.  While  they  waited, 
they  waited  for  desti^ction^  Childi*en  hang- 
in^Jto  their  mother^s  clothes ;  mothers  enquir- 
>3ng  wliat  they  should  do,  and  calling  for  as- 
sistance ;  floods  of  tears,  and  piercing  shrieks, 
all  presented  to  view  a  most  painful  scene. — 
Seeing  the  Indians  appraoching  with  hedious 
y^lls,  that  thrilled  tiie  heart  cf  every  one, 
'Gen.  Stevengr  jjui  his  mother  and  his    sister 


x; 


ROYALTON. 


«1 


upon  his  own  horse ;  Capt.  Josepli  Parkhurst 
put  Mrs.  Rix  and  three  of  her  children  upon 
another  horse,  without  a  bridle,  and  ordered 
them  to  hasten  their  flight.  There  yet  remain- 
ed the  wife  of  Capt.  E.  Parkhurst,  who  stood 
in  the  most  critical  situation,  in  which  a  woman 
can  be  placed ;  begging  and  crying  for  help ; 
suiTounded  by  six  small  children,  clinging  to 
her  clothes,  and  pleading  with  her  for  pro- 
tection ;  Alas !  how  awful  was  the  spectacle, 
how  affecting  the  scene !  To  see  a  woman  in 
this  deplorable  condition,  pleading  for  succour, 
when  none  could  help ;  when  safety  and  sup-, 
port  had  fled ;  and  dangers  rushing  upon  lier ! 
a  heart  not  devoid  of  sympathy,  could  not  fail 
to  weep  !  Conscious  of  her  wretched  situation ; 
feeling  for  her  dear  children ;  being  told  there 
w  as  no  probability  for  her  escape ;  gathering 
her  little  ones  around  her  she  wept  in  bitter- 
ness of  soul ;  tears  of  pity  ran  down  her  cheeks, 
while  she  waited  the  approach  of  the  savage 
tribe  to  inflict  upon  her,  whatever  malice  could 
invent,  or  inhumanity  devise ! 

Her  husband,  to  whom  she  fain  would  have 
looked  for  protection,  was  gone  from  home^ 
wlien  all  her  woes  fell  upon  her !  Well  i&ight 
she  say,  ^^  Therefore  are  my  loins  filled  Wi^h 
pain ;  pangs  have  taken  hold  upon  me^  as^  l^c 
pangs  of  a  woman  that  travaileth,^'  ^5W 
heart  panted,  fearfulness  affrighted  me;>||io 
ftight  of  my  pleasure  hath  he  turned  into  Wai 
uutu  mc.'^     Wlxile  Mrs.   Pavklmist  saw  hii 


I 


BUKXING  OF 


^! 


friends  and  nei4>;Iil)orH  fleeini;  from  her ;  and 
*  beheld  the  Indians  nppnmrliini^  with  impeiu- 
«UH  Htep;  her  bosom  throbed  with  ans^iiish ; 
lioiTor  seized  her  soul ;  and  death  !  imniediate 
death,  both  to  her  and  iirr  children,  ''  stood 
thick  around  her/^  threatening  to  thrust  liis 
dagger  into  lier  aching  heart.  There  was  no 
<ime  to  decide  on  the  priority  (»f  claims  to  pity, 
or  the  demands  of  justice.  Those  who  were 
nearest  at  hand  iirst  received  assistance ;  not 
however,  without  regard  to  that  affection  which 
arises  from  consanguinity  or  matiimonial  con- 
nexion. And  these  relations  not  only  unite 
the  hearts,  but  connect  the  hands  in  scenes  of 
distress. 

At  the  time  Gen.  Stevens  put  his  mother  and 
his  sister  upon  his  horse,  the  Indians  were  not 
eight  rods  fiom  him.  They,  in  company  with 
Mrs.  Rix  and  her  children,  rode  off  as  fast  as 
possible.  The  General  followed  with  several 
others  on  foot.  Part  of  the  Indians  pursued  them, 
while  others  entered  the  house,  and  plunder- 
ed it  of  its  furniture.  They  took  her  eldest 
sou  fiom  her,  then  ordered  her,  with  the  rest  of 
her  children,  to  leave  the  house.  She  accord- 
ingly repaired  into  the  fields  back  of  the  house, 
witli  five  of  her  children,  and  remained  in 
safety  ti»l  they  had  left,  the  place.  Soon  af- 
ter Gen.  Stevens  started,  his  dog  came  in  his 
way,  and  caused  him  to  stumble  and  fill  \ 
which  so  retarded  his  progress  that  he  was  ob- 
liged to  flco  to  the  woods  for  safety,  leaviag 


ROY  ALTON, 


«a 


MS  ob- 


the  women  mkI  rliildrcii  to  mate  tlie  best  of 
their  retreat.     The  Indi.ins  |inrsue<l  down  tli?e 
road  aftVT  them,  with  fiiii;hlfiil  yells,  and  schmi 
overtook  those  who  were  on  r.»ot.     They  took 
(lardner  Hix,  «on  of  Deacon  Jlix,ahoy  about 
nmrtecn  years  oh',    just  at  the   heels  of   liis 
mother's  horse  ;  wliile  sb.c  was   compelled  to 
witness  the  painful  sii-ht.     Alas!    what    dis- 
tress nnd  horror  filled  iici*  bosom,  when   she, 
with  three  of  lier  children,  no  levs  dear  than 
herself,  fleeing  f'oiii  the  sava$j;e  foe,    mounted 
jnpon  a  horse,  snorting  with  fear,  ]javinf:;notli- 
ini;  but  a  pocket  handkerchief  in  his  mouth  fur 
a  bridle,  saw  he^'  wearied  sou,  f  vint  for  want 
|of  breatli,  fall  ariptive  to  this  bar1)arous  crew  ! 
iCruel  fate!  Tlie  trembling;  youth,  overwhelm- 
ed witii  fear,   R«d  bathed  in  tears,    was  now 
torn  fi'om  his  tender  paiTuts,  aiuliiompelled  to 
[roam  ilie  Avilderr^ess  to  unknown  rei^iims  l>  Nor 
was  the  disconsolate  mother,  with  her  other  lit- 
tle ones,  left  in  a  much* more  safe  condition. 

Exposed,  ard  expectin;^;  every  step  to  fall  to 

he  ground,  which,  if  it  proved  not  then*  death, 

would  leave  them  a  prey  to  the  savjipji*  niog^- 

Hters !  No  tongtie  can   tell  the  pains  she  hSk 

!or  pen  descril)e  the  liorrors  of  her  soulL  |F6 

ehold  her  little  son,  while  fleeing  fot^bif^  J^i|^ 

^d\\   into   tlie   bands  of  these  sons  of  ^Mfelty^ 

^vliaf  kind  aiul  tender  mother,  would  mT feel 

lor  heart  to  bleed !  \^  ^ 

May  we  not  listen  to  the  voice  of  imtnfl,j^-i 

•ion,  and  hear  her  say :  - 


/i 


^ u»  '..'.m 


•') 


I      > 


\  m^ 


il 


'  (11    :i 


!  I" 


F!       1 


M 


BURNING  OF 


-  n 

"Oh!  irifiiiito  distress  !  gncli  raQ;inaffifri«'f 
Should  command  pitj    and  dtspwir  relirf, 
Passion,  methiukH.  should  ris*»  from  all  m.V  jjroans, 
Give  sense  lo  rock«,  uiid  sympathy  to  siones.*' 

The  Indians  pursued  tlie  womea  and  chil- 
dren as  fiar  as  the  house  tf  Mr.  Benedict,  the 
distance  of  about  a  mile.  They  eflected  their 
escape,  though  surrounded  with  dangers,  and 
pursued  with  impetuous  and  clamorous  steps. 
Here  they  discovered  Mr.  Benedict  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  a  stream  called  broad-brook, 
which  ran  near  the  house.  They  beckoned  to 
have  him  come  over  to  them.  Choosing,  how- 
ever, not  to  hazard  the  consequences  of  yield- 
ing obedience  to  their  request ;  he  turned  and 
ran  a  short  distance  and  hid  himself  under  a 
log.  He  had  not  long  been  in  this  situation^ 
when  these  blood-thirsty  wretches,  came,  and  I 
stood  upon  the  same  log,  and  were  heard  by 
him  to  exclaim  in  angry  tone,  ^'  if  they  couldj 
find  him*  he  should  feel  the  tomahawk.^' 

After  standing  upon  the  log  come  time,  and! 
endeavoring  to  espy  the  concealed,  trembling] 
object  of  their  pursuit ;  they  lef:  him  and  re 
tu|lied  to  the  hcuse.  Ah !  what  joy  filled  hisl 
bl^ni,  when  he  saw  these  messengers  of  deatlij 
{NUI8  away  leaving  him  in  safety !  How  mustj 
his  lK»irt  have  glowed  w  ith  gratitude  toward?] 
the  '^  Great  Preserver  of  men;i''  at  this  un- 
expected deliverance  from  the  most  ijnineiii| 
danger. 

^^  i^Th  Iiowevcr,    wert  not  unminglet 


ttOYALTON,^ 


^ 


mih  sorrow^  as  the  fell  destroyers  were  still 
at  his  houscj  committiiJii;  ravages  and  wastiiij; 
liis  property,  lint  no  man  can  be  supposed  to 
put  his  property  in  competition  av  ith  his  life. 

The  Indians  pursued  down  the  river  about 
forty  rods  farther^  where  they  made  a  youns; 
man,  by  the  name  of  Avery,  prisoner,  and  then 
concluded  to  return. 

While  they  Aveie  at  the  house  of  Tilly 
Parkhurst,  aforementioned,  which  was  about 
six  miles  from  the  place  they  entered  Royal- 
ton,  his  son,  Phineas  Parkhurst,  who  had 
l)een  to  alarm  the  people  on  the  east  side  of 
the  river,  just  as  lie  entered  the  stream  on  his 
return,  (liscovered  the  Indians  at  his  father's 
door.  Finding  himself  in  danger,  he  imme- 
diately turned  to  go  back,  and  the  Indians  just 
at  this  time  happened  to  see  him,  and  fired  up- 
on liim.  This  was  the  fii-st  gun  they  fir^J  af- 
ter they  entered  the  town.  The  ball  entered 
his  l)ack,  went  through  his  body,  came  out  un- 
der Ills  ri])s.  and  lodi::ed  in  the  skin.  Not- 
withstanding  the  Wunnd,  he  was,  however,  able 
to  ride,  and  conthiued  Ms  retreat  to  Lebanon, 
in  the  State  of  New-Hampshire,  the  dktancc 
of  about  sixteen  miles,  with  ve^y  little  i^p, 
su])porting  t)ie  ball  between  M»  fitigers.  Me 
now  resides  in  that  town,  and  sus^|i^?tte 
characte"  of  a  useful  physician,  and^^^flb^as- 
triojs,  indepedent  ftirmer.  ^^^^ 

nmin'^lei       T^'^^  party  of  Indians,    which  weit  ^wn 
^^>i  the  east  side  of  the  river,    extendeH  "Mtir 


26 


BURNING  OF 


'■I  \u 


ravages  as  far  as  the  house  of  Capt.  Gilbert, 
m  Sharon^  where  a  public  house  is  now  kept, 
by  Capt.  Dana.  Here  they  took  a  nepliew  ot 
Captain  Gilbert^  by  the  name  of  Nathaniel 
Gilbert,  a  boy  about  fifteen  years  of  age. — 
They  now  resolved  to  return,  and  commenced 
that  waste  of  property,  which  tracked  their 
progress.  '  As  they  retraced  their  steps, 
they  set  fire  to  all  tlie  buildings  they  found,  of 
every  description.  They  spread  desolation 
and  distress  wherever  they  went.  Houses  fill 
ed  with  furniture,  and  family  supplies  for  the 
winter ;  barns  stored  with  tlie  fruits  of  indus- 
try, and  fields  stocked  with  herds  of  cattle, 
were  all  laid  waste. 

They  shot  and  killed  fourteen  fat  oxen  in  one 
yard ;  which,  in  consequence  cf  the  inhabitant 
being  dispersed,  were  wholly  lost.  Cows,  sheep, 
and  hogs;  and  indeed  every  creature  design- 
ed fey  the  God  of  nature,  to  su])ply  tlie  wants 
cf  man,  which  came  within  their  sight,  fell  a 
prey  to  these  dreadful  fepoilers.  Parents  torn 
from  their  children ;  husbands  separated  from 
their  wives ;  and  children  siiatched  from  their 
parfints,  presentee?  to  view  an  indiscribable  scene 
of  wretchedness  and  distress.  Some  were 
driven  from  their  once  peaceful  habitations,  in 
to  the  adjacent  wilderness  for  sjif^ity ;  there  to 
wait  the  destruction  of  their  propeHy ;  stung 
with  the  painful  reflection  that  theil"  fi?icnds, 
perhaps  n  kind  father,  and  affectionate  brother, 
were  made  captives,  and  compelled  to  tranf ! 


ROYALTON. 


1^. 


"I 


SJT 


with  a  tawny  herd  of  savage  men,  into  the 
w  ild  regions  of  the  north ;  to  be  delivered  into 
the  hands  of  enemies,  and  undergo  the  fatigues 
land  dangers  of  a  wretched  captivity:  Or  what 
I  was  scarcely  more  to  be  deplored,  learn  with 
pain  that  they  liad  fallen  the  unhappy  victims, 
to  the  relentless  fury  of  the  savage  tribe,  and 
were  weltering  in  their  gore,  where  there  was 
no  eye  to  pity,  or  friendly  hand  to  admiuis- 
Iter  relief! 

The  third  paiiy  of  Indians,  who  went  up  the 
river,  first  came  to  the  house  of  Gen.  Stevens. 
Daniel  Havens,  whose  escape  I  have  mention- 
ed, went  directly  there,  and  warded  the  f am 
ily  cf  their  danger.  Trembling  with  fearj 
he  only  stepped  into  the  house,  told  them  that 
"  the  Indians  were  as  thick  as  the  D — ^1  at  their 
Ihouse,'^  and  turned  and  went  directly  oat^ 
[leaving  the  family  to  secure  their  own  retreat 

Mrs.  Stevens  and  the  family  were  in  bed, 
excepting  her  husband,  m  ho,  as  before  stated, 
had  gone  down  the  river,  about  two  miles  ^'•om 
home.  She  immediately  arose  from  her  bed, 
flung  some  loose  clothes  over  her ;  took  up.  her 
child,  and  had  scarcely  got  to  the  fire,  when  u 
large  body  of  Indians  rushed  in  at  the  door* 

They  immediately  ransacked  the  Kouse  in 
[search  of  men ;  and  then  took  the  beds  and 
'bedding,  carried  them  out  of  doors,  cut  oj^en 
the  bed- ticks,  and  threw  the  feathers  into  %e 
liiv    Tliis  made  them  sport  enough.     Nc^JJIi 

ley  ftdl  to  mq^nifest  their  infernal  gmtifiica- 


w-r 


38 


BUENING  OF 


!-■  it 


tioti  by  ihviY  tartareaii  shouts,    and  disingonu- 
012S  rend  net. 

Mrs.  Stevens  entreated  them  to  let  her  have 
some  (lothes  for  herself  and  chihl ;  but  her 
entreaties  were  in  yain.  Tiiey  were  deaf  to 
the  calls  (if  the  needy ;  and  disre:;arded  the 
demands  (if  justia*.  Her  cries  reached  their 
ears,  but  nothing  could  excite  one  single  glow 
of  sympathy.  Her  destitute  and  sulfering 
condition  ^vas  plain  before  their  eyes,  but  they 
were  blind  to  objects  of  compassion  Alas!'| 
--  what  bitterness  of  soul ;  what  anguish  ;  what 
Jieart  rending  pangs  of  fear,  distressed  her 
tender  bosom  !  Surrounded  by  these  pitiless, 
terriffic  monsters  in  human  shape,  with  lier  lit- 
tle ofl"spring  in  her  arms,  whose  piercing 
shrieks  and  tender  age  called  for  compassion ; 
exposed  to  the  raging  fire  of  savage  jealousy, 
unquenchable  by  a  mother's  tears ;  anxious  f  jr 
the  safety,  and  mourning  the  absence  of  her 
bosom  friend,  the  husband  of  lier  youth ;  it  is 
beyond  the  powers  of  imagination  to  conceive, 
or  language  to  express  the  sorrows  of  her 
heart  1 

Ai|jrfjpf  moment  securely  reposing  in  the 
arms  W^Bep,  with  her  darling  infant  at  her 
breast ;  tte  next,  amid  a  savage  crew,  whose 
wicked  ^^TOtids  were  employed  in  sprei^ding 
desolation  and  mischief ;  whose  mortal  rage, 
exposed  her  to  the  arrows  of  death !  After 
plundering  the  house,  they  told  Mrs.  Steveu«, 
to  ^^  begone  or  they  would  burn/'      She  had 


ROYALTON. 


JBb: 


^9 


been  afraid  to  make  any  attempt  to  escape ; 
but  now  gladly  embraced  the  opportunity.— 
She  hastened  into  tlie  adjacent  wilderness 
carrying  her  child^  where  she  taWied  till  the 
Indiiui^s  had  left  tUe  toAvn.        - 

*^  Slrana:er«  to  want !  can  ye,  presumptuous  say, 

Nu  ciuud>  shall  rise  to  overcast  your  day  ? 

Time  past  hath  prov'd  how  fleet  in*  riches  are,         •»* 

I'iine  future  to  thi«  trafh  may  witnej*!*  bear^ 

Hy  means  no  liuinau  v^i^dotu  can  i'<^re!iee, 

Or  power  prevent,  a  suddea  chan?;e  may  be ; 

War  in  iss  route  may  pluarfer  ail  your  store  i 

And  leave  you  frieudless,  desolate  and  poor." 

NOYES. 

A  boy  })y  the  name  of  Daniel  Waller,  a- 
bout  fourteen  years  old,  who  lived  with  Gen. 
Stevens,  hearing  the  alarm  given  by  Mr.  Ha- 
vens, set  out  immediately  to  go  to  the  Gener- 
al, and  give  him  the  information.  He  had 
proceeded  about  half  a  mihi,  when  lie  met  the 
Indians,  was  takeia  pri.^oner,  and  carried  to 
Canada. 

They  left  the  house  and  barn  of  Gen- 
eral Stevens  in  flames,  ami  proceeded  up  the 
river  as  far  as  Mr.  Uurkee's,  where  they  took 
two  of  his  boys  prisoners^  Adan  and  Andrew, 
and  carried  the  former  to  Canada,  who  died 
there  in  prison.  ^ 

Seeing  a   smoke  arise  abo,ve  the  trees  in 
the  woods  adjacent,    the  hostile  luv4,(lfr«   di- 
Lfecied  tiieir  course  to  the  sggt,   wfeej^,  they 
*     id  a  young  man  by  tiie*  name   of  \Priace 


f4 


1 


h    4 


■ 


30 


BURNING  OF 


,f  , 


Haskell,  busily  engaeied  in  chopping  for  the 
commencement  of  41  settlement.  Haskell  heard 
a  rustling  among  i\\.\  leaves  behind  him,  and 
turning  around  beheld  two  Indians,  but  a  few 
feet  from  liim.  One  stood  with  his  gun  point- 
ed directly  at  him,  and  the  other  in  the  atti- 
tude of  throwing  a  tomaliawk.  Finding  lie 
had  no  chance  to  escape,  he  delivered  himself 
up  as  a  prisoner,  and  was  also  carried  to  Can- 
ada. He  returned  in  about  one  year,  after  en- 
during the  most  extreme  sufferings,  in  his  wan- 
derings through  {\\Q  wilderness,  on  his  way 
homo. 

A  Mr.  Chafee,  who  lived  at  the  house  of 
Mr.  Hendee,  started  eai*ly  in  the  morning  to 
go  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Elias  Curtis  to  get  his 
horse  shod.  On  liis  way  he  saw  Mr.  John 
Kent  ahead  of  him,  who  was  upon  the  same  bu- 
siness. Wishing  to  put  in  his  claim  before 
Mr.  Chafc^.e,  he  rode  very  fast,  and  arrived  at 
the  house  first.  He  had  scarcely  dismounted 
fi'ora  his  horse,  when  the  Indians  came  out  of 
the  liouse,  took  him  by  tlie  hair  of  his  head, 
and  pulled  him  over  backwards.  Seeing  this, 
Mr.  Chafee  immediately  dismounted,  jumped 
behind  thg^op,  hastened  away,  keeping  such 
a  directiorf  as  would  csiuse  the  shop  to  hide  his 
retreat.  Thus  he  kept  out  (f  sight  of  tlie  In- 
dians, effected  his  escape,  and  returned  to'  the 
house  if  M;\  ilcndee.  On  receiving  tho  a- 
larm  given  ])y  Mr.  Chafee,  Mr.  Hendee  di- 
rected his  Aviie   to  take  her  little  boy  about 


ROYALTON. 


31 


seven  years  old,  tand  her  little  daughter,  who 
was  still  younger,  and  hasten  to  one  of  their, 
neighhors  for  safety,  while  he  should  go  to 
Iktiiel,  tlic  town  west  of  Royalton,  and  give 
the  alarm  at  the  fort. 

Mrs.  Hendee,  had  not  proceeded  far,  when 
slie  was  raet  by  several  Indians  upon  the  rnn, 
wlio  took  her  little  l)oy  from  her.  Feeling 
anxious  for  tiie  f  ite  of  her  child,  she  enquired 
what  they  were  going  to-do  with  him.  They 
replied  tliat  they  should  niake  a  soldier  of  him^ 
aiul  theai  hastened  awaV,  pulling  him  along  by 
the  hand,  leaving  the  weeping  mother  with 
her  little  daughter,  to  witness  the  scene^  and 
hear  the  piercing  shrieks  of  her  darling  son. 

This  leads  me  to  notice  one  instance  of  fe- 
male heroism,  blended  with  benevolence,  dis- 
played by  Mrs.  Ilcndee,  whose  name  de- 
serves ever  lu  be  held  in  remembrance  by  ev^ 
cry  friend  of  liumanity. 

She  was  noAV  separated  from  her  husband, 
and  placed  in  the  midst  of  a  savage  crew,  who 
w  ere  committing  the  most  horrid  depredations, 
and  destroying  every  kind  of  property  that 
fell  within  their  grasp.  Defenceless,  and  ex- 
posed to  the  shafts  of  envy,  or  the  rage  of  a 
company  of  despicable  tories  and  brutal  sav- 
ages, the  aiHicted  mother,  rol)hed  of  her  only 
son,  'proceeded  down  the  river,  with  her  ten- 
der little  daugliter  hanging  to  her  clothes, 
jcreaming  with  fear,  pleading  with  her  moth* 
er  to  keep  away  the  Indian*  ! 


t/ 


' : 


-1 


■1(1' 


I 


f 


S% 


BURNING  OF 


Irt  tliis  condition,  posscssini!;  nncornmon  res- 
olution, and  ^Tcat  presence  of  mind^  she  deter- 
mined a^-iiin  to  e;et  possession  of  her  son.  As 
she  passed  down  the  ri>er^  she  met  several  to- 
ries  who  Mere  willi  the  Indians,  of  whom 
she  continued  to  inquire  what  they  inten- 
ded to  do  witii  the  children  they  had  taken, 
and  received  an  answer  that  they  should 
kill  them.  Still  determined  not  to  part  with 
her  son,  she  passed  on,  and  soon  discovered  a 
large  body  of  Indians,  stationed  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  river.  Wishing  to  find  the 
commanding  officer,  and  supposing  him  to  be 
there,  she  set  out  cross  the  river,  and 
fust  as  she  arrived  at  the  bank,  an  old 
Indian  si:eppe€l  ashore.  He  could  not  talk 
English,  but  requested  by  signs  to  know^  where 
she  was  going.  She  siguititid  that  she  was  go- 
ing to  cross,  when  he,  suj)posing  she  intended 
to  deliver  herself  up  to  tlieni  as  a  prisoner, 
kindly  oifered  to  carry  liev  and  her  child  across 
on  his  back  ;  but  she  refased  to  be  carried. — 
He  then  insisted  upon  carrying  her  child,  to 
which  she  consented.  The  little  girl  cried,  and 
said,  '^  she  did^it  want  to  ride  the  old  Indian.'' 
She  was  h.  wever  persuaded  to  ride  the  old 
Indian,  and  they  all  set  out  to  ford  the  river. 

Having  proceeded  about  half  way  across, 
they  came  to  deeper  and  swifter  water,  and 
the  old  Indian,  patting  the  mother  upon  the 
shoulder,  gave  her  to  understand  that  if  she 
would  tarry  upon  a  rock  near  them;  which  was 


ROYALTON. 


S8: 


)nsoner. 


vM  cov(M*e(l  witli  Wilder,  till  lio  bad  cnrried  hor 
( liilil  over,  he  v/oulil  return  and  carry  her  al- 
so. She  tlieiof)rc  stopped,  and  sat  upon  the 
iogU  till  he  had  trlrrl^Ml  her  daughter  and  set 
ife  upon  the  opposite  shore;  when  he  returned 
and  took  her  upon  his  hack,  lugi^ed  her  over, 
and  safely  landed  iver  witii  her  cliild. 

Hupported  hy  a  consciousness  (;f  tl  c  justice 
of  her  cause,  braving  every  dani^er  and  haz- 
arding the  most  drcadfal  consequences,  not  ex- 
cepting her  own  life  and  that  of  her  children, 
she  now  sat  out  to  accomplish  her  ol)ject. 

Slie  hastened  to  tiie  Commanding  Officer,  and 
l)Oldly  inquired  of  him  what  he  intended  to  do 
with  her  child.  He  told  her  that  it  was  con- 
tpary  to  orders  to  injure  women  or  cliildren.— 
^^  Sucii  boys  as  should  be  taken,  he  said,  would 
be  trained  for  soldiers,  and  w^ould  not  be  hiu't.'^ 

You  know  said  she,  in  reply,  that  these  lit- 
tle ones  cannot  endure  the  fatii^ues  of  a  march 
through  tlie  vast  extent  of  wilderness,  which 
you  are  calculating  to  pass.  And  when  their 
trembling  limbs  shall  fail  to  support  their  fee- 
ble bodies,  and  they  can  no  longer  go,  the 
tomahawk  and  tlie  scalping  knife  will  be  the 
onfy  relief  you  will  afford  them !  Insteatl  of' 
falling  into  a  mother's  arms,  aud  receiving  a 
mother's  tender  care,  you  will  yield  thcfti  into 
the  arms  of  death,  and  earth  m;ust  Be  Iheir 
[>illow,  where  the  howling  wilderness  shall  be 
shelter — trulv  a  shelter,  from  a  moth- 


Ay 


i^'\ 


efs   tears,    but   not   from  the  jaw^   qf   wil4 


55» 


M 


BURNING  OF 


bcnsls,  nor  a  parentis  gi*icf.  And  give  mc 
leave  to  tell  you,  added  she,  were  you  possess- 
ed of  a  parent's  love — could  you  feel  the  an- 
guish of  a  mother's  heart,  at  the  loss  ^f  her 
^*  first  bom,"  her  darling  son,  torn  from  her 
bosom,  by  tlie  wicked  hands  of  savage  men, 
no  entreaties  would  be  required  to  obtain  the 
release  of  my  dear  child! 

Ilorton  replied  that  the  Indians  were  an  un- 
governable race,  and  would  not  be  persuaded 
to  give  up  any  thing  they  should  see  fit  to 
take. 

You  are  their  commander,  continued  she,  and 
they  must  and  will  obey  you.  The  curse  will 
fall  upon  you,  for  whatever  crime  they  may  com- 
mit, and  all  the  innocent  blood  they  shall  here 
shed,  will  be  found  in  your  skirts  "  when  the 
secrets  of  men's  hearts  shall  be  made  known  5" 
and  it  will  then  cry  for  vengeance  on  your 
head ! 

Melted  into  tears  at  this  generoiis  display  of 
maternal  affection,  the  infamous  destroyer  felt 
a  relenting  in  his  bosom,  bowed  his  head  un- 
der the  weight  of  this  powerful  eloquence  and 
simple  boldness  of  the  brave  heroine :  and 
assured  her  that  he  would  deliver  her  child  up, 
w  hen  the  Indians  arrived  w  ith  him.  Tlie  par- 
ty who  took  him  had  not  yet  returned.  V/hen 
he  arrived,  Hoi'ton,  w  ith  much  difficulty,  pre- 
vailed on  the  Indians  to  deliver  him  up.  iJ'ter 
slie  had  gained  possession  of  him,  she  set  out, 
l:iadin5  him  and  her  little  fi;irl,  by  the  haad^ 


ROYALTON. 


89 


and  hastened  away  witli  speed,  while  the  min- 
^\ed  sensations  of  fear,  joy  and  ^^'atitude,  lill- 
cd  her  bosom.  She  had  not  ,£;one  more  than 
ten  rods,  when  Ilorton  followed,  and  told  her 
to  ^0  back,  and  stay  till  the  scoulinc;  parties 
had  returned,  lest  they  should  au;ain  take  her 
boy  from  lier.  She  accovdin2;ly  returned  and 
tarried  with  the  Indians  till  tliey  all  arrived 
and  started  for  (*anft<la.  While  slie  was  there, 
several  (,f  her  neii^hbor's  ci/ildren,  about  the 
same  ajrc  of  her  own,  were  brousrlit  there  as 
captives.  Posstssin:^-  benevolence  equal  to  her 
cuunia;e,  she  now  made  plIi  f  ^r  the  in,  and,  by 
her  v,arm  and  aftectionate  ei!ireati?s.  succeed- 
ed in  procuring  their  releare.  While  she 
waited  for  their  departure,  sittin;^  v]wn  a  pile 
cf  bo<irds,  Mith  the  little  objects  of  charity  a- 
round  her,  holdin*^  fast  to  her  clothes,  Avith 
tiietr  clieeks  wet  with  tears,  an  old  Indian  came 
and  t(mk  her  son  by  the  hand  R>nd  endeavored 
to  i^et  him  away.  Slve  refused  *to  let  him  go, 
and  held  him  fast  bv  the  other  hand,  till  the 
savage  monster,  violently  waved  his  cu'lass 
over  her  head,  and  the  piercing  shrieks  tf  her 
beloved  child  filled  the  air.  This  exci- 
ted the  rage,  of  the  barbarous  crew,  so  much 
as  to  endanger  her  own,  and  the  life  of  the 
children  around  her,  and  compelled  her  to 
j4eld  him  into  hisr  hands.  She  again  made^ 
known  hei*  giievances  to  Horton,  when,  after 
considerable  altercittion  with  the  Indians,  he 
obtained  ber  son  and  delivered  him  to  her  ^ 


i 


r 
I 


I ' 


|%<i  l;i| 


i.t 


i 


>! 


•I 


m 


l^UllNINO  OF 


jsiecoiul  tiinp  ;  tlioui:;h  \ur  mi^iit  he  said  to  <•  tVi^i  | 
not  Ood,    iioi*  itjl;  ird   niiin.''      Thus,   liko  thr 
iin|)(H'tiinato  widow  uho  •*  tmnhled  tlie  u!iju«i| 
iiidire,*'  this  vonnu;  woinnir'^-.  ohtiiiried  tho,   it- 
loMse  of  ni!i('  small  hoy\  tVoiiia  wieUhed  cap 
tivity,    which  don!)th^ss    would    luive   provrdi 
thrir  doath  I  Hlic  led  evj;ht  of  tiicm  away^   to 
f^elher  with  her  danii;hter,    all   hauging  to  hcij 
own  clt)thes,  and  to  each  othti*,  mutually  rt- 
joiidng  at  their  deliverance.     The  other,  whosel 
name  w.js  Andrew  Duikie,  whom  the  Indians 
liad  carried  to  tht'  house  cf  Mr.   Havens,  wr.sl 
there  released   accoidinu;  to  the  ai!;reement  ofl 
llorton  with  Mrs.  llendee,  and  scut  hack,  m\ 
account  of  his  himencss* 

Eeine:  told  t!iat  the  a;reat  bone  in  his  lesrhMl! 
been  taken  out,  iji  con^ieciuence  of  a  fever  .soi'(\ 
an  old  Indian  examined  it,  and  (tied  out  "'  m 
boon/  eVo  ^'0  J*'  and  "Mvinij:  him  a  blanket  anil 
a  hatchet,  sent  him  back* 

Mrs.  Ilendee  carried  tw o  of  the  children  a! 
cross  the  river  on  her  back,  one  at  a  time,  anill 
the  others  waded  throus;ii  the  water,  with  theiij 
arms  around  each  other's  neck.      After  cross] 


ma; 


the     river,     she    traveled     about    three 


miles  w  ith  them,  and  encamped  for  the  niglit 
^^  gathering;  tliem  around  her  as  a  hen  gather] 

eth  her   chickens   under   her  wins'Si"       Tk 

■ 

names    of  the  children  who   were  indebted  tq 
her  for  their  release  from  the  saviage  tnbej 

*Mrs.  Ilcndce    naitat  this  tiiueoged^?  jeitri* 


ROYALTON. 


37 


were  Mi<4iacl  Iloiulce,  Roswcll  Parkhurst, 
son  of  Capt.  Elieiiezer  ParkliursU  Andrew 
and  Sheldon  Durkee,  Joseph  Rix,  Rufus  and 

Fish,    Niitlianiel   Evans,  and  Daniel 

Downer.  The  latter  ret  eived  such  an  affright 
from  the  horrid  crew,  tliat  he  was  ever  after- 
wards unahle  to  take  care  of  himself,  wholly 
unfit  for  husiness :  and  lived  for  many  years, 
w  andering  from  place  to  place,  a  solemn,  tho* 
silent  witness  of  the  distress  and  horror  of 
that  dreadful  scene. 

Mrs.  Hendce,  now  (1818)  lives  in  Sharon, 
where  the  autlior  visited  her,  and  received  the 
foregoing  statement  of  this  noble  exploit  from 
her  own  month.  It  is  also  corroborated  by  sev- 
eral gentlemen  now  living,  who  were  eye- 
witnesses. 

She  has  buried  her  first,  and  second  hus- 
band ;  and  now  lives  a  widow,  by  the  name  of 
Moshier.  Her  daj's  are  alniovi  goiie.  ,May 
her  declining  years  be  crowned  w  ith  the  re- 
ward due  to  her  youthful  deeds  of  benevo- 
lence. She  has  faced  the  most  aw  ful  dangers 
for  the  good  of  mankind,  and  rescued  many 
from  the  jaws  of  death ! 

In  view  of    the   ex'^'^'^'^ing  riches   of   that 

jrcy  which  has  protected  her  through  such 
||1.  of  danger,  may  she  devote  her  life  to 
"^l^ice  of  the  Mighty  Ood,  and,  ft  last, 

id  a  happy  seat  at  the  right  hand  of  Blm^ 
*^  who  gave  himself  a  rausom  for  all.'^  And 
thus  let  the  children,  who  are  indebted  to  lier 

D 


If 


\\l 


.1  . 


'  ii'"i 
M 


I 

! 
t 


ri 


I 


('  'I; 

|)        ft    '' 


38 


buhning  of 


bravery  urid  benevolence,  for  theirlives,  ^'  iis« 
up  and  call  her  blessed.^'  Gratkude  forbids 
their  silence.  For,  to  materiml  aflection  and 
female  heroism  alone,  under  God,  they  owe 
their  deliverance  fiom  savage  cruelty.  The 
boldest  hero  of  the  other  sex,  could  never 
htive  effected  what  she  accomplished.  His 
approach  tc  the  savage  tribe  to  intercede  in 
behalf  of  those  defenoiiess  children,  most 
surely  would  have  brought  upon  himself 
a  long  and  wretched  captiviy.  and  perhaps 
even  death  it:elf! 

The  Indians  having  accomplished  their  ne- 
fariotis  designs,  returned  to  the  house  cf  Mr. 
Havens^  wUh  their  piisoner>2,  and  tlie  plun- 
der of  houses  whicli  they  had  devoted  to  dc- 
stmction^  Here  was  the  place  where  they  had 
commenced  their  ravages.  The  old  man,  as 
before  observed,  havij-j^  concealed  himself  un- 
der a  h>g,  at  the  time  he  espied  tlie  Indians  in  j 
the  morning,  while  hunting  for  ]iis  sheep,  still 
remained  in  sorro^\lal  silence  undiscovered. — 
He  had  considered  it  unsafe  to  move,  as  a  parity 
01  the  crew  had  coi^tinued  there  during  the 
dav,  and  had  twice  come  and  stood  uplto  the 
log,  under  wliich  he  lay,  without  Jli^inj 

After  collecting  the  ir  plunder  toj 
distributing  it    among  them,   tliff,y 
li^use  and  barn  of  Mr.  HaA^n%^'  a3^ 
for  Canada.     It  w.'^s  now  about  fe 
th«j-  sfternoon.     13bey  earned  life 


ROYALTON. 


39 


prisoners  from  Royaltoii,  who  were  all  deliv- 
ered up  to  ttie  British,  as  prisoners  of  war. 

They  all  obtained  their  release  and  returned 
in  about  one  year,  excepting  Adan  Durkee, 
who  died  in  camp  at  Montreal. 

Twenty  one  dwelling  houses,  and  sixteen 
good  new  barns,  well  filled  with  hay  and  grain, 
the  hard  earnings  of  industrious  young  farmers, 
were  here  laid  in  ashes,  by  the  impioua  crew. 
They  killed  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  head 
of  neat  cattle,  and  all  the  sheep  and  sw  ine  they 
found.  Hogs,  iii  their  pens,  and  cattle  tied 
in  their  st^s,  were  burnt  aliye.  They  de3- 
troyed  all  We  household  furniture,  except  what 
they  carried  with  them.  They  burnt  the  house 
of  Mr.  John  Hutchinson,  and  giving  his  wife 
a  hatchet,  a,nd  a  flint,  together  with  a  quarter 
of  mutton,  told  her  to  ^^  go  and  cook  for  her 
men.'^  This,  they  said  to  aggravate  her  feel^ 
ings,  and  remind  her  of  her  forlorn  condition. 

Women  and  children  w  ere  left  entirely 
destitute  of  food,  and  every  kind  of  article 
n^cea^ary  for  the  comforts  of  life ;  almost  na^ 
k^dj  ilnd  without  a  shelter.  Wandering  from 
place  to  place,  they  beheld  their  cattle  roiling 
m  ihw  blood,  groaning  in  the  agonies  of 
c^eatht'and  saw  their  hou  3s  laid  in  ruins. — 
])i3cD^n$oIa|e  mothers    bnd  w^inhs^^cS^han^i. 


wcmleft 

wtlameoti 

comfortI< 


through  the  drla^I  waste, 
\6m  of  their  iieai'iBsf "friends, 
^'M^lorn.  .      / 

away  about  thirty  horses^ 


w 


I 


K 


'1i 


il  I 


I 


,;.. 


40 


BURNING  OF 


Avhidi  were  howcvev  of  little  use  to  them,  but 
rather  served  to  hinder  their  progress.  Their 
baggage  was  composed  of  almost  every  article 
commonly  found  among  farmers  ;  such  as  axes, 
and  hoes,  pots,  kettles,  shovels  and  tongs, 
sickles,  scythes,  and  chains  ;  old  side  saddles, 
and  bed-ticks  emptied  of  their  feathers,  warm- 
ing pans,  plates  and  looking-glasses,  and  in- 
deed nearly  all  kitids  of  articles,  necessary 
for  the  various  avocations  of  life. 

On  their  return,  they  crossed  the  hills,  in 
Tunbridge,  lying  west  of  fir^  branch,  and 
proceeded  to  Randolph,  where  the{e?encamp- 
cd  for  the  first  night,  near  the  second  branch, 
a  distance  of  about  tan  miles.  Tliey  had, 
however,  previously  dispatched  old  Mr.  Knee- 
land,  a  prisoner  whom  they  considered  would 
be  oi  the  least  service  to  them,  with  letters 
to  the  militia,  stating  that,  ^^  if  they  were  not 
followed,  the  prisoners  should  be  used  well — 
but  should  they  be  pursued,  every  one  of  them 
would  be  put  to  death,'' 

The  alarm  had  by  this  time  spread  thro'  the 
adjacent  towns,  and  the  scattering,  undisciplin- 
ed militia,  shouldered  their  muskets,  and  has- 
tened to  pursue  them.  They  collected  dt  th^ 
house  of  Mr.  Evans  in  Randolph,  about  tw^  ^ 
miles  south  of  the  encampment  of  thelndiaui^r 
Here  they  formed  a  company,  cofksisting  of  a- 
bout  three  hundred  in  number,  and  ma^^ 
choice  of  Col.  John  House,  «fHiiaLDver,N. 
H.  for  their    commander.      They  :i^ 


V 


ROYALTON. 


41 


thefndians  had  gone  to  Brookfield^  about  tea 
miles  froia  that  place^  up  the  second  branch* 
With  this  expectation  they  took  up  their  march 
about  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  hoping  thev 
should  be  able  to  reach  Brookfteld/ before  ligh^ 
and  make  them  prisoners.  They  had  scarcer 
ly  started,  when  the  American  front  guard, 
to  their  utter  surprise,  were  fired  upon  by  the 
rear  guard  of  the  enemy.  Several  fires  were 
exchanged,  and  one  of  the  Americans 
wounded,  when  Col.  H j  through  coward- 
ice, or  waiit  of  skill,  commanded  them  to  halt, 
and  cease  firing.  He  then  ordered  them  to 
make  a  stand,  and  kept  them  in  suspense  till 
t^i.  Indiaillniad  made  their  escape.  To  has- 
!  .  i,heir  flight,  the  savage  tribe  were  compell- 
ed to  leave  at  their  encampment  a  considera- 
ble quantity  of  their  plunder  ;  nearly  all  of  the 
horses,  and  made  good  their  retreat. 

Here  they  killed  two  of  the  prisoners,  by 
the  name  of  Joseph  Kneeland,  and  Giles  Gibbs. 
The  former  was  found  dead,  with  his  scalp  ta- 
ken oif,  v*«.n4  the  latter  with  a  tomahawk  in 
his  he»?1. 

I    At  5*r  -ight.  Col.  H^ courageously  en- 
tered tk^  '}  jserted  camp,  and  took  poss6iision 
of  the  spo;i,  but  alas,  the  enemy  were  gone, 
he  knew  not  where !  Urged  by  his  Jrave  sol- 
diers, who  were  disgusted  at  his  conduct,  he 
^Icd    up   the  second  branch  as  far   as 
rkfield  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy,   and   not 
them;  ^di^banded  hU  men  and  returne4. 


4S 


BURNINft  OF 


1  *,  i 


Had  Col.  H-— possessed  courage  and  skill 
adequate  to  the  duties  of  his  station^  he  might 
have  defeated  the  enemy^  it  is  thought,  without 
the  least  difficulty,  t^nd  made  them  all  pris- 
oners. His  number  was  equal  to  that  of  the 
enemy,  well  armed  with  muskets  and  furnish- 
ed with  ammunition.  The  enemy,  though  fur- 
nished with  muskets,  had  little  ammunition,  and 
,  were  cumbered  with  the  weight  of  much  guilt, 
and  a  load  of  plunder.  Tiiey  had  encamped  upon 
a  spot  of  ground  which  gave  the  Americans  all 
the  advantage,  and  their  only  safety  rested  in 
their  flight.  Ti.  '  *^nerican  force  ^nsisted  of 
undisciplined  militia  ,  who  promiscuously  as- 
sembled from  diflFerent  quarters,  but  were  full 
of  courage,  animated  by  the  principles  of  jus- 
tice^ and  determined  to  obtain  redress  for  the 
injuries  they  had  received  from  the  barbarous 
crew.  ^ 

Many  of  them  likewise  had  friends  and 
connexions,  then  in  possession  of  the  Indians, 
♦o  obtain  whose  freedom,  they  were  stimulated 
to  action.  But  alas!  their  determination  failed, 
their  hopes  were  blasted  1  They  were  forcef 
to  relinquish  the  object,  and  suffer  their  friend! 
to  pass  on,  and  enditre  a  wretched  captivity.— 
They  however  forced  the  Indians  to  leave  the 
stream,  and  take  their  course  over  the  hills, 
between  the  second  and  third  branch,  which 
brought  them  directly,  and  unexpectedly,  to 
the  house  of  Zadock  ^tede,  whom  they  utaie 
^prisoner;  and  took  to  (^fda. 


ROYALTON. 


14 


To  Ilia  ^^eaptivity  and  sufferings/'  as  rela- 
ted by  himself^  in  the  following  pages,  the 
reader  is  referred  for  a  further  account  of  the 
expedition  of  the  Indians^  and  its  dreadful 
consequences. 


V 


« 


HP 


i:  I 


Ws 


W{< 


**■• 


",■  v:-; 


■:V 


«Pr: 


4-X      •' 


INDIAN  CAPTIVE. 


';  ti 


>  ;, 


BEFORE  the  mind  of  the  indulgent 
[eader  is  engaged  in  a  perusal  of  the  suffer- 
ugs  of  my  maturer  years,  it  may  not  be  im- 
proper to  direct  the  attention  to  scenes  of  na- 
pvity  and  youth. 

The  day  of  my  birth,  and  the  events  which 

ranspired  to   bring  upon  me   the   miseries   I 

lave  undergone,  will   not   be  uninteresting,  I 

liink,  to  those  who  may  feel  disposed  to  read 

le  following  pages. 

As  in  the  evening  of  a  tempestuous  day^ 

ith  solemn  yet  pleasing  emotions,  we  look  back 

m  the  dangers  through  which   we   have  been 

^reserved;  so,  when  man   has  passed  through 

Icenes   of  fatigue ;     endured     the    hardships 

|f  a  savage  captivity,  as  well  as  the  pains  of 

prison,  and  again  obtained  his  freedom }  it 

a  source  of  pleasuve  to  cause  those  scenes 

pass  in  review  before  his  imaginatiottj  and 

[annot  fail  to  excite  his  gratitude  to  the  ^wer 

"lat  afforded  him  relief.  '  t 

I  was  born  at  Tolland,  Connecticut,  on  tlie 
[7th  day  of  Decetnber,  A.  D.  1758.    Itt  f  77« 
ly  father,  James   Steele,   Esq.   moved  froi^T 
^olland  to  Ellington,  a  town  adjoining,  yfh&ti 


'"''III' 

I"; 


I'lOn 


'iii' 


<:■* 


i:       \ 


4« 


INDIAN 


he  kept  a  house  of  entertainment  several  years. 
During  the  years  of  my  childhood,  the  Amer- 
ican Colonies  were  put  in  commotion^  hy  what 
is  generally  termed  the  French  war. 

The  colonies  had  hardly  recovered  from  the 
convulsions  of  that  war,  when  tlie  American 
revolution  commenced.  My  father  had  been 
actively  engaged  in  the  former  war,  and 
now  received  a  Lieutenant's  commission,  in 
the  revolutionary  army.  The  importance  of 
the  contest,  in  which  the  colonies  were  enga- 
ged, called  upon  every  friend  to  the  rights 
of  man,  to  be  actively  employed.  Being  in 
my  eighteenth  year,  in  May  177^^  I  enlisted 
into  the  army  for  one  year,  as  waiter  to  my  fath- 
er. Soon  after  I  enlisted,  he  was  visited  with 
a  severe  fit  of  sickness,  which  prevented  him 
from  entering  the  army,  and  compelled  me  to 
go  into  the  ranks,  leaving  him  behind.  My 
two  older  brothers,  Aaron  and  James,  also  en- 
listed the  saine  year.  Aaron  died  in  March 
following,  at  Chatham,  New-Jersey,  in  the 
twenty  tlurd  year  of  liis  age.  Bereft  of  a 
brother  whom  I  held  dear,  after  serving  the 
term  of  my  enlistment,  I  j^eturiied  to  Elling- 
ton. ^ 

TJi^.  next  ycar^j^  I  served  one  campaign  in 
the  militia,  and  the  year  following  as  a  team- 
ster, which  closed  my  services  in  the  army.— 
I  was  now  about  nineteen  years  of  agf^*  I 
h^  been,  favored  with  very,  little  oppcHrtunity, 
SL§  yet|  to  acquire  aji  educatiim ;  as  r%^  inf^n- 


CAPTIVK. 


47 


lilc  state  ot  the  colonies,  and  the  agitation  of 
public  affairs,  at  that  tinu^  aftbrdcd  little  en- 
couragement to  schools,  and  caused  a  univer- 
sal depression  of  literature  in  general. 

I  however  acquired  an  education,  sufficient 
to  enable  me  to  transact  the  business  of  a  farm- 
er, and  regulate  my  own  concerns,  in  my  in- 
tercourse with  mankind.  But  long  have  I 
deeply  regretted  tlie  want  of  that  knowledge 
of  letters,  requisite  to  prepare  lor  the  press,  a 
narrative  i^f  my  own  sulVerings,  and  those  of 
my  fellow  captives,  which  should  be  read 
with  interest,  and  rccei\  e  the  approbation  of 
an  indulgent  (ni];iic. 

f  !No  hope  of  pecuniary  gain^  or  wish  to 
bring  myself  into  public  noiice,  has  induced 
me  to  publish  a  narrative  (f  my  suilerings. — 
A  desire  that  otJier?:,  as  Vv  ( 11  as  myself,  might 
learfi  wisdom  from  i  e  things  I  have  suflercd, 
is  the  principal  cause  of  its  publication.  The 
repeated  instances  of  my  deliveraiice  from 
tlireatened  death,  in  which  the  ilni!;er  of  God 
was  visible,  call  fur  the  deepest  gratitute,  and 
have  made  an  impression  upon  my  mind,  which, 
I  trust,  will  remain,  as  long  as  the  powers  cf 
my  recollectioti  shall  endure.  1  was  sensible  it 
might  also  furnish  a  lesson  of  instruction  to 
my  fellow  men,  and  to  future  generations,  du- 
duly  to  prize  the  privileges,  and  blessings, 
they  may  enjoy,  by  observing  the  dreadful  con- 
trast, which  i^  brought  to  view  jtn  this  narrative. 

I^sirable,    however,   as  it  Mglit  be,  I  had 


. 


■y 


'  /i 


i 


\y< 


•ri 


I' 


Ml 


r  1  ■. 
I''  I ' 


i% 


INDIAN 


long  since  relinquished  all  idea  of  ever  seeing 
an  account  of  my  .suflerin2;s  in  print.  But  bjl 
the  earnest  solicitations,  and  friendly,  tliougl 
feelde  as.sistance  of  otiiers,  I  have  thought  lij 
at  this  late  period  of  my  life,  yet  ^\m 
humble  defference  to  the  good  sense  of  an  cnj 
lightened  public,  to  give  a  short  narrative  ol 
what  I  have  endured,  in  common  with  many  oi 
my  fellow  men,  who  were  my  fellow  prison] 
■crs. 

Among  tlie  evils  resulting  from  the  destruc] 
lion  of  lloyalton,  my  own  captivity    was   fail 
from  being  the  least.       That  event  was  tli 
precursor  of  all  my  sorrows — the  fountain  froi 
which    sprang    streams    of  Mietchednes  an^ 
want.      Nor  will  the  channel    be  forgot tei 
though  the  imaging   flood   cease   to   roll.       AJ 
small  streams  are  sw  allowed  up  by  larger  ones] 
so,  many  serious,  and^  jre  trials,  are  doubtlesj 
lost  in  (hat  dreadful  current  of  distress,  througl 
which  I  was  called  to  pass. 

The  attention  of  the  reader,  is,  liowevei 
requested  to  a  simple  statement  of  facts,  as  thej 
occur  to  my  mind,  while  I  relate  the  circura] 
stances  of  my  captivity  by  the  Indians ;  tlJ 
treatment  I  received  from  them ;  my  privation! 
while  a  prisoner  to  the  British  ;  my  wonder! 
ful  escape  from  their  hands,  and  extremj 
suflerings  in  the  wilderness  on  my  way  homelpj. 
Truth  will  not  easily  peimit,  nor  have  lanlgj^ 
desire,  to  enlarge  or  exaggerate,  upon  the  thins  ^^ 
I  suffered.    Guided  by   the  piinciplcs  of  juslg^ 


>  \ 


CAPTIVE. 


49 


tice,  and  wisliin^  no  ill  to  any  man,  or  sot  of 
men,  I  hope  I  shall  not  be  found  disposed  to 
calumniate  or  reproarli. 

It  is  not  my  intention  to  speak  of  any  imli- 
vidual  or  nation,  with  less  respect  than  is  due 
to  their  true  character  and  conduct.   - 

I  shall,  however,  be  under  the  necessity  of 
noticing  many  cruelties  that  were  inflicted  up- 
on the  prisoners,  by  men,  who  enjoyed  the 
advantages  of  civilization,  which  were  suffi- 
cient to  put  the  rudest  savage  to  the  blush. 

But  the  long  lapse  of  time,  and  the  eflect-i 
of  old  age,  have,  no  doubt,  blotted  from  my 
memory,  incidents  which  would  liave  been  no 
less,  and  perhaps  more  interesting,  and  instruc- 
tive, than  many  circumstances  which  I  shall 
])e  able  to  recollect.  This,  together  with  the 
inexperience  of  the  writer,  must  be  the  only 
apology  for  the  imperfections  of  the  following 
pages. 

In  April,  1780,  being  in  my  twenty  second 
year,  I  starred  from  my  father's  hjjf^ise,  in  El- 
lington, leaving  all  my  friends  and  relatives, 
and  came  to  Randolph,  in  the  State  of  Vermont, 
a  town  south  of  Brookfleld,  a  distance  of  near- 
ly two  hundred  miles.  I  there  purchased  a 
I  right  of  ^land,  lying  in  the  north  part^of  the  town, 
on  which  was  a  log-house,  and  V  little  im- 
provement. Suffering  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships common  to  those  who  dwell  in  new  coun- 
im»y  I  spent  the  siipmer  in  dilligent  labour, 
subsi&rting  npon  ratlier  coarse  fere,   and  sup- 

E 


:^ 


I 


'Ill 


00 


INDIAN 


I 


'l',^    i  !. 


ported  by  the  fond  hopes  of  soon  experiencing 
better  days. 

The  young  man  who  drove  my  team  from 
Connecticut,  with  provisions,  farming  utensils, 
&c.  labored  witli  me  through  tlie  summe*-^  and 
fall  season,  till  October,  m  hen  he  returned  to 
Ellington,  just  in  time  to  escape  the  danger  of 
being  taken  by  the  Indians. 

A  small  settlement  had  commenced  in  the 
south- Avesterly  part  of  Uandolph.  on  the  third 
branch  of  White  River,  about  six  miles  from 
my  own  settlement.  A  little  settlement  had 
also  commenced  on  the  second  branch  of  the 
same  river,  in  Brook  field,  in  the  easterly  part 
of  the  town,  and  at  about  an  equal  distance 
from  my  abode.  As  tliere  were  in  Randolph 
a  number  of  families  situated  in  di  He  rent  parts 
of  the  town,  and  our  country  being  engaged 
in  a  War,  which  rendered  our  frontier  settle- 
ments exposed  to  the  ravages  af  an  exaspera- 
ted foe,  we  had  taken  the  necessary  precau- 
tion to  establish  alarm  posts,  by  Avhich  we, 
might  announce  to  each  other  tlie  appro:u.h  of 
an  enemy. 

But  our  Brookfield  brethren,  though  in  a 
town  adjoining,  were  beyond  the  hearing  of 
the  report  of  our  alarm  guns. 

On  the  Kith  day  cf  October,  Ave  were  ap- 
prized of  the  arrival  of  the  Indians  at  Royal- 
ton,  a  town  about  ten  miles  south  of  Randolph. 
They  entered  that  town  o|||(he  moriiiiig  of.  the 

takiag 


I6th.    and  were  committilig  ravages. 


CAPTIVE. 


51 


And  killing  the  inhabitants^  sparing  the  lives 
of  none  whom  they  could  overtake  in  an  at- 
tempt to  esca^ie ;  destroy  in;;;  property,  hurning 
all  the  huildin^H  that  they  discovered ,  killing 
the  cattle^  pillaging  the  houtsen^  and  taking 
captives. 

It  waji  expected  they  would  follow  up  cither 
the  second  or  third  branch,  on  their  return  to 
Canada,  as  these  two  branches  run  to  the 
south,  and  nearly  parallel  to  each  other;  the 
former  ijf  which  empties  itself  into  the  river  at 
lloyalton,  and  the  latter  a  few  miles  west. 

I  was  employed  during  the  l(5fch  day,  till 
nearly  night,  in  assisting  the  settlers  on  tlic 
third  branch  in  Randjnlph,  to  move  their  fam- 
ilies and  ellV.cts  into  the  woods,  s  oh  a  dis- 
tance as  was  tliO'.i!i;ht  would  render  them  safe, 
dhould  the  Itulians  pursue  that  stream  up^  on 
their  return. 

I  then  requested  that  some  one  of  them 
should  accompany  me  to  go  and  notiify  the 
lirookfield  settlers  of  their  danger.  *  Being 
unable  to  persuade  any  to  go  with  me,  I  start- 
ed alone.  I  had  only  time  to  arrive  at  my 
own  dwelling^  which  was  on  my  direct  course, 
before  I  was  overtaken  by  the  approach  of 
night.  As  there  was  no  road,  and  nothing  but 
marked  trees  to  guide  ray  way,  I  tarried  all 
m|^t.  Having  prepared  some  food  for  break- 
fast,' I  lay  downjo  sleep,  little  knowing  what 
awaited 


my 


dfgr»  on  the  mo 


At  the  dawn  of 
f  the  ITth,  I  set  out  to 


y> 


n 


n 


!''!!■ 


5S 


INDIAN 


m 


prosecute  the  object  for  which  I  started^  thou<;li 
in  a  violent  tempest,  attended  with  snow. 
I  had  not  proceeded  far,  before  the  storm 
greatly  increased,  Avhich  I  found  would 
not  only  much  endani^er  my  life,  but  so 
retard  my  proi;;ress,  that  1  could  not  arrive  in 
time  seasonably  to  warn  my  friends  of  their  dan- 
ger, or  escape  myeelf  fiom  the  hands  of  the 
enemy,  should  they  fyllovv  tiiG  second  branch, 
instead  of  tlie  thiro.  I  therefore  returned  to 
my  house.  Soon  after  I  arrived  v/ithin  doors, 
filled  with  anxiety  for  the  unsuspecting  inhab- 
itants oi  Brookfield,  I  heard  a  shocking  cry 
in  the  surrounding  woods  ;  and  trembling  for 
my  own  safety — 1  ran  to  the  door,  when,  to 
my  utter  astonisliment,  (and  the  reader  may 
judge  my  feelings)  I  belield  n  conipiiny  of  In- 
dians, consisting  of  not  less  than  three  hun- 
dred in  number,  not  ten  rods  disttint,  ap- 
proaching with  ^  hideous  cries  and  frightful 
yells  ! 

^'  O  how  unlike  the  chorus  of  the  skies.'' 

There  was  no  way  of  escape.  I  had  oiJy 
to  stand  still,  wait  their  approach,  ami  receive 
my  miserable  destiny.  Indeed  I  cmild  now 
«ay  with  David,  ^^  the  sorrows  of  death  conx? 
passed  me,  and  the  floods  of  ungodly  men 
made  me  afraid, ''  I  had  ro  where  to  flee  but 
to  the  ^*  great  F«'eservcr  o^^en,  who  was  my 
only  hiding-fiace^^^  ^^ m^P)odness,  and  my 


■wp 


CAPTIVE. 


03 


forti3ss;  my  liish tower,    and  my  deliverer; 
my  shield,  and  he  in  whom  I  trust '' 

^^  They  came  upon  me  as  a  wide  breaking  of 
waters :  in  the  desolation  tliey  rolled  them- 
selves upon  me.'^ 

Their  leader  came  up,  and  told  me  I  musi 
go  y/Uh  them.  They  asked  me  if  any  other 
persons  were  to  be  found  near  that  place ;  I 
i  ♦Id  them  it  was  probable  there  were  none  to 
be  found.  They  then  enquired  if  any  cat- 
tle were  near,  to  which  I  answered  in  the 
negative.  But  they  seemed  to  choose  rather  to 
take  the  tix)uble  to  search,  than  to  confide  in 
what  I  told  them. 

After  taking  every  thing  they  found  worthy  ta 
carry  with  them,  and  destroying  all  that  was 
not  iikely  to  suffer  injury  by  Sre,  they  set  the 
house  on  fire,  and  marched  on.  One  of  them 
took  a  bag  of  grass  seed  upon  his  back,  and 
cutting  a  hole  in  the  bag,  scattered  the  seed 
as  he  marciicd,  v*  hich  took  root,  stocked  the 
grouna,  and  was  for  many  years  a  sad  me- 
mento of  my  long  captivity^ 

The  chief,  who  came  up  to  mc,  could  talk 
English  very  well^  which  was  a  circumstance 
much  in  my  favor,  as  he  became  my  inaster, 
under  which  name  I  shall  have  frequent  occa- 
sion to  speak  of  hii^  in  the  course  of  this  nar- 
rative. 

They  took  al^|^  clothes,  not^^^o^pting 
the  best  I  hadaHKpiid  distributed  ti\em  a* 
mongst  thcmselvei^jrhey  however  furnigJied 

E?  r 


'WT*  '^' 


94i 


INDIAN 


L;ii''l 


M; 


'I  <i 


me  with  blankets  sufficient  to  defend  against 
the  cold,  but  deprived  me  of  my  own  proper- 
ty ;  the  bitter  consequences  of  which,  I  felt  in 
my  subsequent  confinement  with  the  British, 
and  on  my  return  to  resume  my  settlement,  at 
Randolph. 

The  Indians  had  encamped,  tlie  night  pre- 
ceding, on  the  second  branch  in  Randolph,  on 
whilih  the  Brookfield  settlers  lived,  and  npt 
more  than  ten  miles  below  them.  But  during 
the  night,  had  been  put  to  route  by  a  party  of 
Americans,  consisting  of  about  two  hundred 
and  fifty  in  number,  wbo  wi>re  commanded  by 
Col.  John  House,  of  Hanover,  New-Hamp- 
shire. To  make  their  escape  they  left  the 
stream,  and  took  a  course  which  brought 
them  directly  to  my  dwellin,^, 

Hi^d  they  not  been  molested,  but  permitted 
to  pursue  their  intended  course  up  tlic  stream, 
the  defenceless  iiiiiabitants  of  Brookfield,  would 
.  doubtles  have  shared  the  miserable  fate  of  the 
inhabitiints  of  Royal  ton;  themselves  taken 
prisoners,  and  doomed  to  suffer  a  long  and 
wretchetl  captivity ;  and  their  property  des- 
troyed by  the  devouring  element.  This  pre- 
veiiition,  which,  however,  was  the  cause  of 
my  captivity,  the  subject  of  the  following  nar- 
rative, was  probr' ^y  the  only  good  that  Col. 
H effected ;  and  this  he  did  unwittingly, 


for  which  he  can  claim 
Soon  after  we  startetl 
master,  who  was  the  p 


nks. 
my  house,  my 
conductor,  and 


^■"iMip^ 


CAPTIVE. 


0d 


chief  of  tlie  whole  tribe,  discovered  that  I  had 
a  pair  of  silver  buckles  in  my  shoes,  and  at- 
tempted to  take  them  from  me,  but  by  prom- 
ising to  let  liim  have  them  when  wei  arrived  at  • 
our  journey's  end,  I  persuaded  him  to  let  me 
keef)  tliem.  But  we  liad  not  travelled  far,  be- 
fore another  Indian  espied  them,  and  crying 
oit  "Wah  stondomra,"'  ah  there'^s  silver  /  took 
tliem  from  me,  and  furnished  me  witli  strings 
for  my  shoes,  as  substitutes. 

We  travelled  the  first  day  to  Berlin,  and 
encamped  on  Dog  river,  not  many  miles  from 
tilt*,  plaqp  where  Montpelier  Village  now 
stands.  They  built  a  fire  of  some  rods  in 
length,  to  which  opportunity  was  aflbrded  for 
all  to  approach.  They  then  placed  sentinels 
around,  wliich  rendered  it  impossible  for  any 
one  to  move  unnoticed.  But  tuis  precaution 
was  not  sufficient  to  satis- fy  their  minds,  to  pre- 
vent the  escape  of  their  captive  prfsoners. — 
Therefore^  to  render  oui*  escape  less  t  to  be 
effected,  as  we  lay  down  upon  the  ground, 
they  tied  a  rope  around  our  bodies,  and  ex- 
tending i;  each  way,  the  Indians  laid  upon  it 
on  our  right,  and  on  our  left,  not  suffering  a^ 
two  prisoners  to  li©  nex,t  each  otiier.  I  coutd^ 
however,  crawl  so  fir  out  of  the  rQ§^  as  to  be 
aUe  to  sit  upright,  but  always  {baudi^il>me  of 
the  Indians  sitting  up,  either  to  prepure  their 
clothing  foilr  the  fd^^ing  day's  march,  or  in- 
tentionally  to  se^^B^^^^^^^l  guavdiS;  imd  I 


fo^^ii] 


K. 


^6 


INDIAN 


0^3 
ft 


never  found  the  favored  moment  when  all  were 
at  rest. 

As  they  had  told  me  before  we  encamped, 
that  if  they  were  overtaken  by  the  Americans, 
they  should  kill  overy  prisoner,  I  felt  the 
more  anxious  to  make  my  escape  5  and  they 
seemed,  in  view  pt  their  danger,  more  de- 
sirous to  keep  us  within  reach  of  the  toma- 
hawk, and  secure  us  against  a  flight,  in  case 
fhe  Americans  should  approach.  I  watched 
with  trembling  fear  and  anxious  expectation 
during  the  night  we  lay  at  Berlin,  seeking  an 
opportunity  to  escape,  which  I  f  jund  utterly 
impossible,  and  looking  every  moment  for  the 
arrival  of  a  company  of  Americans,  whose 
approach  I  was  assured  would  be  attended 
with  death  to  every  prisoner. 

They  compelled  many  of  the  prisoners  to 
carry  their  packs,  enormous  in  size,  and  ex- 
tremely heavy,  as  they  were  filled  with  the 
plunder  of  pillaged  houses,  and  every  thing 
which  attracted  their  cutiosity,  or  desire  to 
possess.  Looking  glasses,  which  by  the  inten- 
tion or  carelessness  of  the  prisoners  became 
broken  in  a  short  time,  \wi^  spiders,  frying 
pans,  iHid  old  side  saddles,  wliich  were  sold 
on  their  arrival  at  St.  Johns  for  one  dolliHri 
composed  a  part  of  their  invaluable  baggagc^JJ 

On  the  morning  of  the  18th  they  first  orilef  * 
cd  me  to  eat  my  brea!if^4||||^rging  me   to     * 
as  much  as  I  wanted,  \|^^Pori  accoi  nt  of  Uk^I 
loss   of  their  provisionWtT  Randolphj^    thjejrj 


CAPTIVE. 


57 


had  scarce  half  an  allowance  for  themselves, 
I  knew  not  whether  to  attribute  this  conduct' 
to  their  feelings  of  charity  and  generosity,  a 
desire  to  secure  my  friendship,  or  a  v/ish  ta 
preserve  my  life  under  a  prospect  of  procur- 
ing gain,  or  to  some  other  cause. 

Indeed  they  seemed  at  all  times  to  be  wil- 
Ihig  to  "  feed  the  hungry,'^  not  even  seeing 
one  of  the  prisoners  lei  surly  to  pick  a  berry 
by  the  way,  as  they  passed  along,  without  ofc- 
ferin^  them  food  5  considering  this  as  a  token 
of  our  hunger. 

Their  food,  however,  was  very  unsavory, 
insomuch  that  nothing  but  extreme  hunger 
would  liave  induced  me  to  eat  of  it,  though  I 
always  had  a  share  of  their  best. 

Habituated  to  a  partial  coverii>g  tliemselves^ 
land  excited  by  curiosity,  they  took  from  me 
all  my  best  clothes,  and  g;n^e  me  blankets  in 
exchange.  They  of;.en  travelled  with  the  ut- 
most celerity  in  their  power,  to  try  my  activi- 
ty, viewing  me  with  looks  of  complaicency, 
|to  find  me  able  to  keep  pace  with  them.  ^ 

We  this  day  passed  down  Oog  River,  till 
I  we  came  to  Onion  River,  into  w  liich  the  for- 
mer empties  itself,  and  then  kept  the  coUFsik  <rf 
the  latter  during  the  day,  steering  near|Jrj^' 
i()rtli-west  direction.  At  night  we  came  lil^f 
?ry  steep  mountain,  wluch  wa9;^^trem€3y 
'ult  of  access,  not  far  from  tjie  place, 
called  Bolton^|||the  county  of  ^kitten- 
IJpoQ  the  to^Pthis  mountain  the  In* 


'm( 


!il|! 


,'l    .    .M' 


iU 


■n'. 


"'    1 
{    i| 


ii 


iiii 


1!^ 

i 
I 
I 


All 


ll 


r^  t 

I'  I: 'ill 


% 


I 


58 


INDIAN 


111 

to 
m 


CI 


(lians^  on  their  way  to  Royal  ton,  bad  secre- 
ted a  number  of  bags  of  fine  fllour,  which 
they  brought  with  them  from  Canada,  and 
now  regained.  This  greatly  replenished  their 
stores,  and  aflfbrded  a  full  supply  of  whole- 
some  bread.  The  manner  of  making  their 
bread  is  curious,  and  exhibits  useful  instruc- 
tion, to  those  who  may  be  called  to  make  their 
bread  in  the  wildernes,  without  enjoying  the 
privilege  cf  household  furniture. 

They  took  theiif  dough,  wound  it  around  a 
stick  in  the  form  of  a  screw,  stuck  it  into 
the  ground  by  the  fire,  and  thus  baked 
tlieir  bread,  without  receiving  injury  by'  t}ieB"\ 
smoke,  or  rendering  it  moi*e  filthy  than  it  camel^^^ 
from  their  hands.  ■^*'i' 

Their  fear  tliat  they  should  be  overtaken  byP®^^ 
the  Americans  had,  by  this  time,  greatly  abat-l'^'^w 

ed,  and  this  was  considered  by  the  prisoners!  ^ 
gi*ounds  for  less  apprehension  of  the  danger  ofi^it 
being  put  to  death  by  the  Indians.  Till  now,l^^/< 
however,  it  is  beyond  the  power  of  language J^^^ 
to  express,  nor  can  imagination  paint  the  feel**^ 
ings  of  my  heart,  when,  torn  from  my  friends,| 
and  all  I  held  dear  on  earth,  compelled  t 
roam  tlie  wilderness  to  unknown  parts,  ob- 
Jiged  toford  rivers  and  then  lie  down  at  nighi| 
upon  the  cold  ground  with  scarcely  a  di 
thread  in  my  clothes ;  having  a  rope  fastenec 
aiXHind  my  body ;  surr^nded  bj  &•  6?i]&6 
savage  Indians,  from  v«fc  very  fri6||d^t}i 
could  expect    nothing  ^HilwretcUedaess 


y 

vol 

f  I 

es 
oat 
t  i 

c 

S 


CAPTIVE. 


59 


,    9CCVC- 

wliich 
la,  and 
eel  their 
'  wliole- 
theirj 

instruc- 
ike  their  I 
i>ying  the] 

around  a 
k  it  into 


luisery ;  and  whose  brutal  rage  would  be  sure 
to  prove  my  death ! 

]Sor  was  this  rage  only  liable  to  be  excited 
by  a  sense  of  real  danger ;  but  from  conscious 
guilt,  equally  liable  to  be  put  in  .orce,  by  the 
most  slight,  false,  and  trifling  alarm. 

'Tis  a  prime  part  of  happiness  (o  know 
Huw  maeh  iinhappinei^s  must  prove  our  lot ; 
A  part  which  few  possiss  ! 

Young. 

On  the   fourth   day,    we   arrived   at  Lake 


^^]5_gjlChamplain,     We  here  found   some  batteaux, 

/  bv*  the!"*  wliich  the  Indians  had  conveyed  themselves 

m  it  caiBel*^^^^^^^?  ^^  **^^^*'  ^^^  ^^  Royalton.      On  their 

■arrival  at  tlie  Lake,  and  regaining   their  bat- 

rtaken  bvl*^*^^^?  ^^^y   S*^^  *  shout   of  exultation,  and 

x^    g^jjj^Jlaughter,  manifesting  tlieir  joy  and  triumph. 

TirisoncrsI    ^^y  master,  v/ho  was  about  to  take  a  differ- 

dano*er  Qm^^^  route  from  the  rest  of  tlie  tribe,    took  me 

m'lj^jjQ^  laside,  and  in   a   dissembling  tone,    told  me, 

lanffuase^^^'^  great  professions  of  friendship,  with  lit- 

the  feel*'^  credit,  however,  that  I   had  better  take  off 

V  friendsM^y  *^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^*^^   ^^^'®   ^*?  ^^i*  which  he 

nellcd  tol)^^^*^^^^  S^v^  ^^  **^  blanket  in   exchange,  assur- 

arts    obJ^'S  ^^  ^^^^  ^'*^  Indians  would  take  it  from  me 

n  at  ni^liw^  ^  ^^^  *^^^  ^^^  ^^'      Dreading  tfie  eonsequen- 

es  of  a  refusal,    more   than   the   loss   of  the 

oat,  I  let  him  have  it,  and  received  a  blank* 

t  in  return.      We  crossed  over,  and  encamps 

*  on  Grand  Isle  t^B  night.     The  next  morii- 

S  we     re-embar^ffl  in  our  batteaux,   an«J 


ly   a  di 
fastener 


m 


'M 


»0 


INDIAN 


if'i 


safely  landed  at  the  Isle-Aux-Noix  before 
niglit.  Here  the  Indians  found  a  supply  of 
rum,  Avliich  gave  them  an  opportunity  to  make 
market  for  a  part  of  their  plunder,  and  sa- 
tiate their  thirst.  Nor  indeed  was  the  oppor- 
tunity unimpro\'ed.  Iritated  by  the  force  (>f| 
intoxication,  they  were  all  in  confusion ;  sav- 
nge  yells,  and  shiill  out-cries,  filled  the  sur- 
rounding atmosphere;  and  death  seemed  to 
stare  every  captive  full  iu  the  face ! 

"  So  suns;  Pl.ilamler*   as  a  friend  went  round 
In  the  rieh  ichor,  in  (hei^cnerouH  Ij'o  d 
Of  BucchuS;  purple  god  of  joyous  nit." 

At  length,  however,  their  senses  became  drown- 
ed in  the  torrent  of  inehviety ;  they  sunk  into  I 
u  helpless  state,  and  reposed  in  the  arms  of| 
insensibility.  As  we  had  now  arrived  witli- 
in  the  dominions  of  the  JJritisli,  and  were  not  I 
only  guarded  by  a  number  of  the  Indians,  who 
were  not  under  the  power  of  intoxication,  but 
w  atched  by  the  enemy's  subjects,  resident  at 
that  place,  we  could  find  no  opportunity  to| 
make  «ur  escape. 

The  next  morning,  which  was  the  sixtlil 
day  of  our  mai*ch,  we  started  for  St.  JohnsJ 
and  arrived  there  that  day.  At  this  place 
likewise,  the  Indians  found  a  plenty  of  ardentj 
spirits,  by  a  too  free  use  of  which,  they  b< 
came  more  enraged,  if  possible,  than  befor©. 

They  now  began  to  tl^hiten  the  lives  of  all 


w 


m 


CAPTTVE. 


6i 


(he  captivei,  whose  faces  were  not  painted^  a« 
the  face  being  painted  was  a  distinguishing 
mark  put  upon  those  w  bom  they  designed  not 
to  kill. 

As  I  was  not  painted^  one  of  the  Indians^ 
under  the  influence  of  intoxication^  and  brutal 
rage,  like  many  white  people,  more  sagacious 
than  humane,  came  up  to  me,  and  pointing  a 
gun  directly  at  my  head,  cocked  it,  and  was 
about  to  fire,  when  another  old  Indian,  who 
was  my  new  master,  knocked  it  aside,  push- 
ed him  backwards  upon  the  ground,  and  took 
a  bottle  of  rum  and  putting  it  to  his 
mouth,  turned  down  his  throat  a  considerable 
quantity,  left  him  and  went  on. 

The  punishment  seemed  in  no  way  to  dis- 
please the  criminal,  but  wished  he  would  con- 
tinue to  punish  him  through  tho.  day,  in  the 
same  manner ;  regarding  the  momentary  grat- 
ification of  appetite,  more  than  all  other  bless- 
ings of  life,  or  even  life  itself. 

They  now  procured  some  paint,  and  paint- 
ed my  face,  which  greatly  appeased  the  rage 
of  those,  who,  before  had  been  apparently 
determined  to  take  my  life.  I  now  received 
their  marks  of  friendship,  nor  felt  myself  in  dan- 
ger of  becoming  the  subject  of  their  fatal  enmity. 
Clothed  with  an  Indian  blanket,  with  my 
hands  and  my  face  painted,  and  pvossessing 
activity  equal  to  any  of  them,  they  appeared 
t<\be  willing  I  should  live  with  them;  and  be 
accounted  as  one  of  ther  number. 


n 


62 


INDIAN 


.Ith 


ill'  i  i 


m\ 


We  arrived  at  Caglinewaga  on  the  seven tli 
day  of  our  march.  Thus,  I  found  myself 
within  the  space  of  seven  days,  removed  from 
my  liome,  and  from  all  my  relatives,  the  dis- 
tance of  ahont  three  hundred  miles ;  almost 
destitute  of  clothing;  entirely  without  money; 
with  no  other  associates,  than  a  race  of  savage 
Indians,  whose  language  I  could  not  under- 
stand, whose  diet  was  unsavory,  and  un- 
whlflesome ;  whose  ^^  tender  mercies  are  cru- 
el;^' barbansra  their  civility ;  no  pardon  to  an 
enemy,  their  established  creed  ;  and  pi'esent- 
ed  with  no  other  prosjiect  for  the  future,  than 
a  captivity  ^or  life ;  a  final  separation  from  all 
earthly  friends,  and  situated  in  an  enemy's 
country  1 

In  short,  striped  of  eveiy  comfoi*t  that 
sweetens  life,  except  the  ^' one  thing  needful," 
*^  which  the  world  can  neitlH^r  give,  nor  take 
away,"  my  temporal  prospects  weve.  banished, 
and  lost  forever.  No  earthly  friends  to  ad- 
minister consolation,  or  with  whom  to  sympa- 
thize, nor  hope  of  escape  to  feed  upon;  truly^ 
humble  submii^sion  to^the  will  of  Heaven,  and 
an  entire  ^^  jtrust  in  the  Lord,"  was  the  only 
halm  afforded  me. 


A  soul  prt>i^arM  for  sucli  a  state  a«  ihUy 
is  heir,  cxb|»etfint,  to  immortal  bii<4S. 

Some  days  after  we  arrived  at  Caghuewaga, 
an  old  man  by  the  name   of   Pliilips,  whose 


CAPTIVE. 


63 


silver  locks  bespoke  the  experience  of  many 
winters ;  whose  visage  indicated  the  trials^ 
sorrows,  and  afflictions,  of  a  long  and  wretch- 
ed captivity;  whose  wrinkled  face,  and  with- 
ered hands^  witnessed  the  suflerings  of  many 
hardships^  and  presented  to  me  a  solemn  and 
awful  token,  of  what  I  myself  might  expect 
to  suffer;  cam^*  and  told  me  that  I  was  about 
to  be  adopted  into  one  of  the  Indian  families^ 
to  fill  the  place  of  one  whom  they  had  lost  on 
their  expedition  to  Royalton. 

Mr.  Philips  was  taken  prisoner  in  tlie  wes- 
tern part  of  the  State  of  New -York,  by  the 
Indians,  in  his  youthful  days,  and  having  been 
adopted  into  onej  of  their  families,  had  always 
lived  with  them.  He  had  retained  his  knowl- 
edge of  the  English  language,  and  served  as 
an  interpreter  for  the  tribe. 

The  ceremony  of  my  own  adoption,  -as  well 
as  that  of  many  other  of  the  prisoners,  afford- 
ed no  small  degi*ee  of  diversion.  The  scene 
presented  to  view  a  spectacle  of  an  assemblage 
cf  barbarism,  assuming  the  appearance  of  ci- 
vilization. 

All  the  Indians,  both  male  and  feiiui;!^/.  to- 
gether with  the  prisoners,  assembled,  and  foriBL- 
ed  a  circle,  within  which;  one  of  their  chiefe, 
standing  upon  a  stiigc,  erected  for  tbf^  pur- 
pose, harrangued  the  audience  iu;%e  ]||diaii 
tongue.  Although  I  could  not  un$(6t3(^(3:|H9 
language,  yet  I  could  plainly  discover  i^gjrfeat 
^are  of  native  eloquence.     His  speech  iv&B  of; 


I 


If 


I 


01* 


INDIAN 


considerable  lengtli,  and  its  effect  obviouslj 
manifested  weii^lit  of  argument,  solemnity  of 
tkou^lit^  and  at  least  human  sensibility.  I 
was  placed  near  by  his  side,  an<l  had  a  fair 
view  of  the  vvh(de  circle.  After  he  had  ended 
his  speech^  an  old  squaw^  came  and  took  me 
by  the  hand,  and  led  me  to  her  wigwam, 
where  she  dressed  me  in  a  red  coat,  with  a 
ruffle  in  my  bosom,  and  ordered  me  to  call 
her  mother.  She  could  speak  English  toller- 
ably  well,  but  was  very  poor,  and  therefore 
unable  to  furnish  me  with  very  sumptuous 
fare.  My  food  was  rather  beneath  a  savage 
mediocrity,  though,  no  doubt  my  new  mother 
endeavored  as  far  as  lay  in  her  power  to  en- 
dear the  affections  of  her  newly  adopted^  yei 
ill-natured  son. 

I  found  the  appellation  c  f  mother,  highly 
pleased  the  tawny  jade,  which  proportionably 
increased  my  disgust,  already  intollerable, 
and  instead  of  producing  coQtehtmeniAf  mind^ 
added  disquietude  to  affliction  and  sorrow. 

As  I  was  blest  with  an  excellent  voice  for 
singing,  I  was  the  mo?e  beloved  by,  and  on 
tliat  account  received  much  better  treatment 
from  my  new  mother,  as  well  as  from  other 
Indians. 

I  was  allowed  the  privilege  of  visiting  any 
part  of  the  village,  in  the  day  time,  and  was 
received  with  marks  of  fraternal  affecti^,  and 
treated  with  all  the  civility  an  Indian  is  capa- 
ble to  be«tow. 


CAPTIVE 


Od 


any 
was 
1^  and 
Icapa- 


A  prisoner  liy  the  name  of  Belknap,  wag 
get  about  hewiri<;  some  poles  for  a  stable  iloori 
while  his  Indian  master  lieUl  them  for  him.-^ 
As  he  hewed,  the  Indian,  sitting  upon  the 
pole,  suflered  it  gradually  to  turn  over,  though 
unperceived  by  liim,  whicli  occasioned  the 
workman,  who  saw  its  opera  (ion,  laughing  in 
his  sleeves,  to  hew  quite  round  (he  stick,  in 
hewing  fiom  end  to  end,  Tiiiuiving  that  Bel- 
knap knew  no  better,  the  Indian  endeavored 
to  instruct  him.  After  trying  several  poles, 
with  the  same  success,  the  Indian,  filled  with 
impatience  for  this  untractable  pupil,  with 
his  eyes  on  fire,  left  him,  and  called  his  inter- 
preter, to  make  his  wishes  more  distinctly 
known;  to  whom  Belknap  declared  that  hci 
did  well  understand  the  wishes  of  the  IndloD^ 
and  was  determined  to  avoid  doin^  his  Vi  ill. 

Ahc\'  remaining  in  this  condition  a  few 
weeks,  finding  the  prisonevft  very  incorrigible, 
and  wishing  for  the  revvaixl  they  might  obtain 
for  them,  information  was  given  the  prisoners, 
that  they  might  be  delivered  over  ta  the  Brit- 
ish at  Montreal  as  prisoners  of  war^  or  contin- 
ue with  the  Indians,  as  they  should  ehoose. 

We  sought  the  advice  of  an  Engligih  gen- 
tleman, by  the  name  of  Stacy,  resident  ?n  the 
Village  <€»f  Caghnewaga^  who  ]\^  married  a 
squaw  for  hi?  wife,  and  was  exfiSisively  ac-* 
quainted,  not  only  with  the  affairs  of  th^  In- 
dians>  but  with  Uie  citizens  of  Montreal.  H^ 
appeared  to  be  a  man  of  integrity  and  varaci- 


M 


li 


I 


(1  'B: 


'  ir 


1 W' 

m 


(i  il  Mil 


w'm 


m 


vH 


'fl!l«!  ?' 


im 


K 


66 


■*:,• 


INDIAN 


ty ;  Wfis  employed  in  merchfindise,    find  nho 
served  as  one  of  tlicir  interpreters. 

I  was  advised  by  Mr.  Stacy  to  be  delivered 
into  the  hands  of  the  British.  lie  said  I 
might  doubtless  obtain  leave  to  dwell  in  some 
ftimily  of  a  private  gentleman,  until  I  should 
be  exclian2:ed. 

Encouraged  by  the  prospect  of  enjoying  tlie 
company  of  civilized  people,  and  flattcr<^d 
with  the  idea  of  being  soon  exchanged,  and 
thereby  enabled  to  return,  on<:c  more  to  see 
mv  friends  in  Connecticut,  I  made  choice  to 
be  given  up  to  the  Britisli.  All  the  captives 
did  likewi«^e.  .^; 

We  M  ere  all  conducted  to  Montreal  by  the 
Indians;  in  the  latter  part  of  November, 
A.  B.  1780 —and  there  '^  sold  for  a  half  Joe,^' 
each.  M(»st  of  the  captives  were  young,  and 
remprkably  robust,  healthy  and  vigorous.  I 
was  now  almost  twenty  two  years  of  age. — 
To  be  compelled  to  spend  the  vigour  of  my 
days  in  useless  confinement,  was  a  source  of 
grief,  and  pain,  to  my  mind.  But  I  could 
see  no  w  y  of  escape.  The  wisdom  of  Grod,  I 
found  to  be  unsearcliable  indeed.  I  felt,  how- 
ever a  good  degree  of  submission  to  the  Prov- 
idence of  tiie  Most  High,  and  a  willingness 
to  "  acceptnof  tlie  punishment  of  mine  ini- 
quities.'^   ^'^'  ^  ■'■■' 

We  found  at  the  city  of  Montreal^  about 
170  prisoners,  ycme  of  whom  were  made  cap- 
tives by  the  Indians  in  different  parts  of  Amev- 


i 


(I  aUo 

ivered 

!»aid  I 

some 

sliOlllll 

ng  tlie 
attcied 
I,  and 
to  sec 
Dice  to 
aptives 

bv  tlie 

I. 

ember, 
\  Joe/' 
,  and 
ms.     I 
age. — 
of  my 
Urce   (>f 
could 
God,  I 
t,  hov- 
Prov- 
ingness 
ne  i^ii- 

about 
de  cap- 
'.  Amev- 


CAPTIVE. 


;'>^ 


67' 


irji,  and  ot!\ers  bad  been  taken  prisoner:?  of 
war  in  forts,  by  capitulation,  and  by  conquest. 
Here  we  coubl  see  women  and  cliibh'en,  wbo 
had  fallen  the  victims  of  savage  captivity,  weep- 
ing and  mourning  their  fa<e,  whose  tears 
trickling  down  tlieir  cheeks,  bespoke  the  lan- 
guage of  their  liearts  !  It  was  enough  to  melt 
the  heart  of  stone,  with  grief,  to  heboid  the 
hosoni  of  the  ^^poor  widows''  heaving  with 
sighs,  and  to  hear  their  groans !  While  the 
companioni^  of  their  youth,  their  bosom  friends, 
nnd  partners  in  life,  were  no  more;  hav- 
ing spilt  their  blood,  and  laid  down  their 
lives  in  defence  of  their  country,  their  fami- 
lies, and  their  fire-sides. 

Here  I  beheld  the  orphan,  fatherless  and 
motherless,  whose  tender  age  called  for  com- 
passion, and  recpiired  the  kind  protection  of 
an  affectionate  mother ;  whose  infantile  mind, 
endered  it  incapable  of  telling  his  name,  the 
lace  of  his  birtii ;  or  giving  any  iiiibrmation 
respecting  himself  or  his  parents. 

This  led  me  to  consider  my  own  sufferings 
comparatively  small ;  and  a  sense  of  my 
own  wretched  condition,  became  lost  in  the 
feelings  of  compassion,  for  these  unhappy 
widows  a^d  orplians ! 

We  Wiiire  put  into  a  large  building  called 
^^  The  old  regal  Church,''  Avith  the  other  prison- 
ers, in  which  we  were  kept  several  days,  when 
e  were  removed  into  a  large  stone  building 
tted  up  for  the  purpose,  ia  the  suburbs  of  the 


m:        .-■■''19 


i^l-l 


'^1 


Ail 


>.^    ^ 


\*- 


t 


mi 


■^i 


68 


INDIAN 


("S     'ill 


m 


.iih!i 


r  § 


city,  oupoQ  the  shore  of  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence. 

I  often  made  application  for  liberty  to  take 
quarters  in  tiie  family  of  some  private  gentle- 
man, Wliere  I  might  enjoy  the  advantages  of  a 
common  slave,  until  I  should  be  al|le  to  pro- 
cure a  ransom,  or  be  exchanged ;  urging  the 
manner  of  my  being  taken,  and  my  destitute 
situ'ionas  arguments  in  my  favor,  having 
been  stripped  of  all  my  property  by  the  In- 
dians, and  deprived  of  all  my  change  of 
clothes.  But  all  my  efforts  proved  only  a 
witness  to  myself,  and  my  fellow  sufferers,  of 
that  deafness  to  the  calls  of  humanity,  which 
is  always  the  characteristic  of  tyranny  and 
despotism.  ., 

Many  of  the  prisoners,  as  well  as  myself, 
had  only  one  shirt,  and  w  ere  obliged  to  go 
without  any,  while  we  washed  that.  Indo- 
lence and  disregard  for  cleanliness,  preve^ited 
many  from  doing  this,  which  may  be  reeoned 
among  the  many  causes^  that  brought  our  sub- 
sequent evils  upon  us.  We  were  allowed^  or 
rather  said  to  be  allowed,  one  pound  of  bread, 
and  one  pound  of  fresh  beef  per  day.  But 
through  the  injustice  and  dishonesty  of  the 
person  who  delt  out  our  allowance,  we  were 
robbed  even  of  apart  of  this  humble  pittance. 
Had  we  been  able  to  obtain  our  full  allowance, 
in  provisions  of  good  quality,  we  should  have 
been  able  to  Imve  furnished  ourselves  with  oth- 
er necessary  articles ;  but  now  we  werej  de-|| 


■  ■'^L 


CAPTIVE. 


6§ 


piivcd  of  the  privilege,  by  the  curtailment  of 
our  rations.  We  were  obliged  by  the  calls  of 
hunger  to  pound  up  the  beef  bones,  (which 
composed  no  small  share  of  our  rations  of 
I  meat)  and  boil  them  for  broth.  We  had  no 
butter,  cheese,  flour,  nor  any  kind  of  sauce, 
(luring  the  winter.  We  were  kept  almost  to- 
tally without  fire-wood,  having  scarcely  e- 
nough  to  enable  us  to  cook  our  meat.  Our 
[beds  consisted  principally  of  blankets,  which 
they  brought  from  the  hospital,    in  all   their 

ilih.     This  was  an  apparent  manifestation  of 
their  disregard  at  least,  for  the  prisoners,  if 

lot  a  malevolent  design  to  introduce  that  con- 

igion,  which  should  spread  disease,  desola- 
tion and  death  throughout  our  camp. 

Pinched  with  hunger,  half  naked,  and 
jhilled  with  the  cold,  we  were  forced  to  have 
[ecourse  to  our  beds,  and  occupy  them  a  great 
>art  of  the  time ;  though  they  were  the  habi- 
[ations  of  filthy  vermin,  tainted  with  the  in- 
jections of    mortal    distempers,    and  scented 

4th  the  nausceous  smell  of  the  dying  and  the 

lead. 

The  complicated  collection  of  people  of  differ- 
lat  habits,  comprising  almost  every  kind  of  foul 
Ind  vicious  char  *cter ;  and  the  combination  of  so 

lany  events,    either  of  which  should  seem  a- 

>ae    sufficient  to    create    disease,    caused   a 

meral,  and  universal  prevalence  of  the  itch. 
Oui  close  confinement  was,  to  some  of  the 

v\souers,  a  source  of  grief  5  to  others,  a  cloak 


^ 


■•■>V/f 


m 


'fi 

'J  ' 


:f-      .ii 


wn 


\ 


.:\ 


70 


INDIA^V 


ln.!t,l 


ii^'^l'. 


t^m 


^*-;.,- 


of  indulgence  in  laziness ;  wliile  to  all  it  w  as 
the  motiier  of  (lisiase^  the  harbinger  of  pain. 

We  suffered  so  much  ^vith  hunger,  that  we 
should  have  thankfully  ''  fed  upon  the  crumbs 
that  fell  from  the  rich  man's  table  ;'^  and  so 
great  Avere  our  afflictions,  tliat  we  should  have 
gladly  caressed  tlie  '•  dog  tliat  had  come  and 
licked  our  sores.'^  >  :       . 

While  I  was  a  captive  with  the  Indians,  II 
was  in   sorrow^,  r^nd    ^^  desired  a  better  couii-' 
try.'^     And  I  had  not   experienced  the  ^'  trial 
of  cruel  mockingsand  scourgings--of  bonds  anil 
imprisonment,'*  sufficiently  to  enable  me  to  say 
with  Paul,  "  I  have  learned  in  wlmtsoever  state 
I  am,  therewith  to  be   content/'^    When   we 
were  j)ut  into  the  hands  of  tlie  British,    ^*  we 
looked  for  peace,  but  no  good  came;  and  for 
a  time  of  health,    and  beheld  trouble!'^    In- 
deed it  may   justly  be  said  of   them,    ^^they 
turned  the  needy  out  of  the  way — ^they  caused 
the  naked  to  lodge  without  clothing,  that  they 
have  no  covering  in  the  cold — ^they  pluck  the 
fatherless  from  the  breast,  and  take  a  pledge] 
of  the  poor,  they  cause  him  to  go  naked  with' 
oat  cl<Hhing,  and  they  take  away  the  sheef  froiii| 
the  hungry.*     I  plead  that  they  would  ^^mak( 
me  as  one  oi  their  hired  servants,'^   but  they| 
would  not. 

In  the  spring,  after  being    ^^  brought  low,j 
t^'ough  oppression,  affliction,  and  sor?oW>"  w« 


•Jib  3*Jh.— I,— 7,  ^  U). 


^,jijii«** 


/ 


v^ 


CAPTIVE, 


71 


it  was 
pain, 
bat  we 
crambs 
and  so 
lid  have 
)nie  and 


Tvero.  ^ipplied  with  saU-pork,  bread,  oat-meal^ 
and  pease,  in  abundance.    As  wc  had  long  been 
abnost  siarvetl,  *«ar  avi<IHy  for  the  food,  which 
>vas  now  before  us,    may  more  easily  be  im- 
agined than  described.     Let  it  suffice  us  to  say, 
that  none  ate  sparingly,  but  all  greedily.     In- 
deed some  seem<Hl,  not  only  anxious  to  satis- 
fy hunger,  but  detemin^^  to  revenge  for  their 
past  sufferings.     TMs  .siiiiliBn  repletion  of  our 
wants,  produced  the  s^p^  among  the  prison- 
rs,  which  threatened  death  to  every  one. — 
eiterated  sighs  and  dying  groiins,  now  filled 
ur  camp. 

To  such  an  alarming  degree,  did  this  drcad- 
al  disease  prevail,  that  many  were  obliged  to 
)e  removed  to  the  hos|)ital  for  relief;  distress 
nd  anguish  pervaded  the  whole  body  of  the 
iiisoners ;  and  the  citizens  of  Monti'eal,  a- 
^"^yiarmed,  perhaps  for  tlieir  own  safety,  seemed 
y  causeam^  f^.^l  anxious  f(jr  our  relief.  But  justice  re- 
hat  *heymyj^.^,j^  j  shouhl  state,  that  we  received,  at  this 
luclt  tnWj^^^  ^jj  ^jj^^  j^jj^j  attention,    which  was    due 


diatts,  I 
ier  coutt- 
e  "trial 
onds  anil 
leto  say 
5ver  state 
lien  we 
jh,  "we 
I  and  for 
\'^    In. I 


? 


pledge 
:ed  with' 
lieef  froml 


a 


XSL?Xi 


|but  theyl 
ight  low 


>W^ 


\\' 


our  wretched  condition,  and  every  fa\'or  in 
he  power  of  our  keepers  to  bestow ;  while 
he  inhabitants!  manifested  a  humane  disposi- 
lon,  and  displayed  the  generous  feelings  of 
|ity,  and  tender  compassicm.  In  short,  con- 
mis  that  they  in  truth,  had  all  partially  con- 
I'ihutedtp  increase  our  miseries,  they  seemed 
feel  a  relenting  for  their  past  misconthict, 
bich  excited  them  to  use  their  utmost  exer- 


i^4 


wi' 


H 


;:    Ml 

■■111 


'I  1-^ 


^s 


W- , ; 


fl 


!!■    .\ 


'A 


m  :i< 


t 


72 


Ai>i 


lion,  to  exonerate  themselves  from  guilt,    by 
tiieir  subsequent  good  offices  for  our  relief. 

They  furnished  us  with  green  hefbs,  and 
.every  thing  which  was  adapted  to  our  disor- 
ders, or  calculated  for  our  comfort,  and  recov- 
ery. By  these  means,  our  health  was  fully 
restored ;  gratitude  and  joy  set  smiling  on  ev- 
ery countenance;  and  songs  of  deliverance 
dwel*  in  every  tongue.  Pfiin  now  gave  place 
to  pleasure,  son'ow  fled  as  happiness  ap- 
proached; murmurs  and  complaints,  which 
had  long  been  the  universal  cry,  now  were| 
heard  no  more ;  and  v^juietude  was  felt  in  ev 
•ry  breast. 

After  our  recovery  we  were  allowed  th 
privilege  of  a  yard  of  some  rods  square,  in  ex 
tent,  by  which  we  weie  enabled  to  exercisi 
for  the  preservation  of  our  health.  But 
length,  some  of  the  prisoners  made  their  es 
cape,  wliicli  occasioned  all  the  rest  to  be  pu 
into  close  confinement,  and  kept  under  loc 
and  key.  We  were  supplied  however,  witl 
all  the  comforts  of  life,  so  ftir  as  our  jploi 
confinement  would  permit. 

In  October,  A.  D.  1781,  all  the  prisonei 
w  ere  removed  to  an  Island  in  the  river  Si 
Lawrence,  called  ^^  Prison-Island,^'  about  fo 
ty-five  miles  above  tlie  city  of  Montreal,  aw 
opposite  to  a  place  called  Cateau  du  Lac. 

Here  we  were  fumiBhed  v^ith  a  full  supp 


of  wholesome  food  during  our  coij£nemeat 
the  kland. 


arti 
pri 
chf 
to 

int( 

day 

-l^nt 


CAPTIVE. 


73 


Tliis  Island  is  situated  a  little  below  the 
lake  St.  Francis,  which  is  formed  by  a  large 
swell  in  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  was  con- 
sidered a  very  eligible  place  for  the  confine- 
ment of  the  prisoners.  Indeed  it  wfts  thought 
iHipossible  that  any  person,  destitute  of  boats, 
should  be  able  to  escape  w  ithout  being  drown- 
ed, as  tlie  water  rurt  with  the  utmost  ve- 
locity, on  each  side  of  the  Island.  We  were, 
therefore,  allowed  the  liberty  of  traversing 
the  whole  Island,  which  contained  about  twen- 
ty acres. 

Guarded  by  a  company  of  refugees  and  to- 
ries,  possessing  as  little  humanity  as  patriot- 
ism ;  and  having  long  been  the  miserable  suf- 
ferers of  a  wretched  captivity,  and  painful 
imprisonment,  many  of  the  prisoners  atteii^<^t- 
ed  to  make  their  escape  by  swimming  down 
the  current  the  distance  of  three  miles.  But 
few  succeeded,  while  some  were  drowned  in 
the  hazardous  rrttempt.  Tlie  captain  of  the 
guard,  whose  name  was  Mc'Danitl,  was  a 
tory,  and  as  totally  devoid  of  iiumanity  and 
generosity,  as  the  Arab  who  traverses  the  des- 
arts  of  Africa.  His  conduct  towards  the 
prisoners,  was  such  as  ought  to  stamp  his 
character  with  infamy  and  di.^gi'ace.  '  Ci'R^liiy^ 
to  the  prisoners,  seemed  to  be  his  greatest  de- 
light. I  once  saw  one  of  the  prisoners  phiuge 
iato  the  river,  in  the-day  time,  and  swim 
down  the  current  the  distance  of  three  miles, 

it  was  discovered  by  Mc'Daniel,   soon  af- 

G 


|h  •''#'!' 


I 


S 


1. 


,';l 


kM 


li'" 


m 

mi  i 


,  '111 

m 


I 


7* 


INDIAN 


B|u;;-+ 


tw  lie  started,  who  ordered  him  shot  before 
he  should  ever  reach  shore;  but  a  British 
soldier,  possessing  more  luimanity  than  hl^ 
commander,  iVaded  into  the  river,  and  took 
hold  of  the  trembling  prisoner,  almost  ex- 
hausted, declaring  ^^  if  the  prisoner  was  shot, 
he  would  be  likewise.^^ 

Tlie  malignant  disposition  of  Mc^Daniel, 
and  the  invidious  character  of  the  guard,  in- 
duced the  prisoners  to  seek  opportunity,  and 
confront  almost  every  danger,  to  eflect  their 
escape.  But  time  soon  rolled  away,  till  win- 
ter approached,  without  bringing  to  our  view 
that  propitious  moment,  which  could  afford 
the  slightest  hope  of  success  in  the  attempt. — 
On  the  one  hand,  the  eye  of  an  implacable 
foe  was  upon  us,  with  rancour,  malice  and  re- 
venge in  his  bosom,  and  the  implements  of 
destruction  in  his  hand ;  and  on  the  other,  the 
rapid  current  of  the  stream,  threatened  us 
with  death  if  we  approached,  while  the  foam- 
ing billows,  roaring  in  a  voice  like  thunder, 
bid  us  beware ! 

Desperate,  indeed,  must  be  the  attempt,  for 
any  one,  knowingly  to  plunge  himself  into 
the  ja>\  s  of  deatli,  to  escape  from  trouble. 

At  the  approach  of  winter,  the  ice  below 
the  Island,  rendered  it  visibly  and  utterly  im- 
possible to  escape  alive.  We  were,  therefore, 
now  forced  into  submission,  and  had  only  to 
consult  together  upon  those  measures,  wliich 


tl 


to 


CAPTIVE. 


75 


should  be  most  likely  to  promote  our  own  hap- 
piness, while  we  waited  the  return  of  spring. 

In  January,  we  were  ordered  hy  Mc'Uan- 
iel  to  shovel  tiip  snow  for  a  patli,  in  which 
the  guard  v/ere  to  travel,  while  on  their  duty. 

Regarding  the  proverb  of  Soloman,  as  wor- 
thy of  our  notice,  that  ''  it  is  an  hotioar  for  a 
man  to  cease  from  strife,'^  we  complied  with 
the  demand ;  thus  sacrificing  our  rights  on  th« 
altar  of  peace.  But  now  fituling  by  occular 
demonstration,  the  verity  of  a  like  proverb  of 
the  same  wise  man,  that  "  every  fool  will  be 
meddling/'  we  unanimously  agreed  to  diso- 
bey all  similar  orders,  and  every  command 
whicli  should  be  afterwards  given,  contrary  to 
right.  Wc  were  not  insnesible  that  the  pris- 
oaer,  tho  u^h  unable  to  d'*fend,  w^as  possessed 
of  certain  inaeli  uiabla  rightSj,  which  we  resolv- 
ed to  assert,  and  refuse  obedience  to  the  ty- 
rant wlio  should  attempt  to  encroach  upoa 
tliem.  Tiie  time  soon  arrived,  wlien  duty 
called  us  boldly  to  assert  our  rights  ;  and  man- 
ly firmness  forbid  submission. 

Wc  were  again  commanded  by  Mc'Daniel 
to  shovel  the  snow  to  make  a  path  for  the 
guard  to  travel  in ;  while  they  themselves  ha(1:*f j 
nothing  to  do,  but  to  wait  our  toil.  Disdain-  * 
ing  to  become  slaves,  we  had  universally  de- 
termined to  reject  their  unauthorised  servitude, 
~  therefore  informed  the  infamous  Sic'E^titel, 
was  our  unanimous  resolution,  a,nd'  Ip^d 
I  feared  lees  what  he  should  dare  ta  35, 


'U 


•1/1 


I'l 


JM 


ifi:  l 


u 


¥1 

1: 


vl  !'! 


mM"\ 


ill 


>  !;i; 


78 


INDIAN 


thft/i  1  (lifl  the  conscqiieriC6«j  of  yieldiu*j;  to  tUt 
lawless  roquinitioni^  of  a  petty  tyrant.  En- 
raged at  iiw  opposition  of  tliv,  prisoners,  to 
his  arliilrary  commaiHls,  and  more  highly  e\- 
asper:j(ed  ng;iinst  me  as  the  organ,  he  direct- 
ed iiic  to  be  put  in  irons,  and  carried  to  the 
puptrd-honse.  After  uttering  the  most  dread- 
ful tlireat^,  and  horrid  imprecation;^,  and  find- 
ing I  was  nnt  easily  terrified,  nor  readily 
faced  to  ahaiiclon  my  right-:!,  he  carried  his  or- 
der into  execution,  took  mctothe  guard-house, 
put  me  in  irous,  and  kept  me  tlierc  daring  the 
whole  day,  till  niglit,  when  he  came  and  re- 
peated his  tlin-al!-.,  (if  torture  and  death,  iu 
c.ise  I  cn!5«:i!i  led  to  r.fdsi*  com;diaui'e.  ii'.d 
tllW  fi  Kll;:g  ine  uuuiuvrtl  in  my  deierminaUo.j, 
and  that  "hatred  stireth  up  sti!  s,"  he  order- 
ed me  to  be  kept  in  irons  till  nine  o'clock  at 
night,  without  food,  and  then  sent  back  to  my 
barrack. 

This  was  accordingly  done,  tho'  some 
Dutchmen,  terrified  at  my  fate,  consented  to 
his  requirements,  and  performed  the  service, 
while  I  was  confined  in  the  guard-house.  In 
consequence  of  our  refusal  to  comply  with  his 
unjust  and  illegal  demands,  the  most  severe 
punishments  and  barbarous  cruelties  were  in- 
flicted upon  the  prisoners. 

^*To  revenge  upon,'^  he  said,  "no  prisoner 
should  be  allowed  to  have  a  fire  another  ^night 
while  they  remained  on  the  Island.'^ 


CAPTIVE. 


77 


Accordingly  tlie  guard  came  into  our  bar- 
Mcks  (»very  nii;lit,  witli  large  quiutiticd  of 
snow,  aud  put  out  all  the  tires,  usiug  as  iu:irli 
caution  not  to  leave  a  spark  untjiiouched,  as 
(liough  the  lives  of  thousands,  and  the  >>  ealth 
of  a  metropolis  were  at  stake. 

*•  fho*  Been,  we  lalnur  to  believe  it  true." 

What  malice  is  manifest  in  the  breasts  of 
Iho^e,  who  labour  with  diligence,  and  toil 
\vitli  pains,  to  increase  the  misery  of  those 
who  are  already  wretched,  and  groaning  in 
sorrow ! 

Here  we  beheld  the  depravity  of  man.—-  * 
Here  we  could  see  the  faltllment  of  that  pas- 
sage of  Holy  Vv  rit,  which  declares,  that  "  be- 
cause sentence  a"'ainst  an  evil  work  is  not  ex- 
ccuted  speedily,  therefore  the  heart  (if  the 
sons  of  man  is  fidly  set  in  him  to  do  evil/' 

Here  we  could  behold  a  fidl  display  of  the 
seven  abominations  in  the  sight  of  God  ;  "  a 
proud  look  ;  a  lying  tongue,  and  hands  that 
shed  innocent  blood ;  an  heart  that  deviseth 
wicked  immaginations ;  feet  that  be  swift  ia 
running  to  mischief;  a  false  witness  that 
speaketh  lies,  and  him  that  sowetli  discord  a- 
mong  brethren.' '* 

Here  we  could  see  monsters  in  human  sh?ipe, 
feeding  upon  revenge.  For  the  labojur  wliich 
they  unjui^tiy  required  of  us,  was  w^  a  tenth 


PiOY. — 6, — IG,  &c. 


'■  r 


V  . !.  n 


":  '1 


iif 


ll 


G  § 


1  ■;!    :t 


-^: 


TB 


INDU:^ 


!     ." 


CM 


part  (,f  whai  tliry  poiTormefl  every  iii;;]it  hy 
puttitiji^  out  our  fires  to  ponisli  us  lor  noticoni- 
pliance  with  their  tyrannical  demanils.  Kiit 
posscssini;  the  spirit  of  freemen,  we  ^^  rhost* 
rather  to  .suffer  aiBiction,"  than  to  become  tlie. 
ftlaves  of  a  set  of  clespic«hlc  refugees  and  to- 
vies,  feeling  assured  that  our  affliction  wowld 
afford  us  more  consolation  in  the  hour  of  re- 
flection^ than  could  be  fountl  in  a  servitude 
imposed  upon  us  by  an  infamous  rcnois;ado. 

As  our  l^arrncks  were  very  cold,  and  o[ien  ; 
aiid  beiui;  sc«niily  clothed,  we  suffered  greatly 
for  want  of  Hre,  to  support  which  we  were 
willing  io  get  wood  ourselves.  But  our 
keepers  ch(»se  rntlicr  to  suffer  pain  themselves, 
than  to  permit  us  to  enjoy  comfort. 

Mc'lJarnel,  however,  was  called  away,  and 
succeeded  by  one  Mc'Kelpin,  in  command. — 
He  was  also  a  refugee,  the  scui  of  a  tory,  and 
had  the  appearance  of  a  raw  boy,  not  more 
Hian  eiglUeen  or  nineteen  years  old,  whose 
very  vissngc  portended  evil^  and  bid  the  pris- 
oners prepare  for  trouble. 

His  father,  he  said,  had  received  very  ill 
treatment  from  the  American  army,  and  be 
had  also  shared  with  his  father  in  the  abuse, 
for  not  engaging  in  the  rebellion  against  the 
British  government.  As  ''  the  rod  is  for  the 
back  of  him  that  is  void  of  understanding,'^ 
we  doubted  not  the  truth  of  his  statement,  nor 
felt  disposed  to  question,  but  that  he  received  ve- 
ij  severe  treatment.  And  more  especially;  whtn 


CAI'TIVE. 


79 


;lit  ».y 
)iicom- 

ne  tlH»> 
ind  tn- 
wowld 
of  re- 
rvilndft 
ulo. 
I  o[»en ; 
givatly 
B  were 
iiit  our 
IS  elves, 

ay^  and 
land. — 
ry,  and 
»t  more 
whose 
le  pris- 

ery  ill 
jid  lie 
abuse. 


tor  tne 
iding/^ 
Int,  nor 
Ived  ve- 
vyIiw 


(lie  station  in  wliich  he  was  found,  was  taken 
into  consideration  ;  for  tlii^,  together  with  tlie 
littleness  (if  his  mind,  and  the  malignity  of 
his  temper,  will  fiU'ever  prove  his  want  of  pat- 
riotism, and  stamp  his  indignant  character 
witli  infancy  and  disgrace,  as  long  as  cvilfchaU 
!)e  had  in  rememhrance. 

His  immature  age  can  be  no  pnlliation  of 
liis  crimes,  nor  admit  of  niuc!i  hope  of  liis  re- 
.ormation,  by  repentance ;  for  like  all  other 
fools,  ''  he  hated  knowledge,  and  was  wise  iu 
his  own  conceit. '^  Inheriting  from  his  f.ith- 
e-,  all  tlie  qualities  of  a  knave,  and  t!ie  coW" 
nnlice  of  a  M'estern  Savage,  who  l(K)ks  for  sc- 
(urity  from  danger,  in  his  own  flight  only,  or 
in  the  strength  of  his  allies,  he  per\erted  the 
power  put  into  his  hands  to  do  gi)od,  used  it 
tis  a  weapon  of  revenge,  and  an  instrument  of 
cruelty.  His  paternal  educati(m,  was,  at  the 
])cst,  toryism,  perfectly  congenial  to  his  natu- 
ral disposition.  In  short,  "  he  was  wise  to 
do  evil,  but  to  do  good,  he  had  no  knowl- 
edge." His  first  steps  towards  tyranny  and 
oppression  met  no  opposition,  as  we  wished 
to  enjoy  peace,  and  were  willing  to  yield  a 
portion  of  our  rights  to  the  enjoyment  of  so 
invaluable  a  blessing.  But  our  indulgence 
served  only  to  stimulate  him  in  the  course  of 
revengeful  tyranny,  and  he  seemed  the  more 
angry,  as  if  ^^  coals  of  fire  were  heaped  upon 
his  head." 


d} 


,.l;„ 


;.  m, 


i-,i  1'', 


W»PP 


INDIA]S 


lify 


**' 


Lliiii 


■,:■'  t 


li 


Ml' 


5fa!\ifestiiig  a  tlcsirc  to  meet  with  opp«..). 
tioti,  by  using  every   exertion    to   provoke    to 
rage,  be  ordered  the  prisoners  to  shovel   the 
f^iKAV  from  the  door  of  his  ov/ii  house.     As  the 
prisoners   discovered  in  him  a  fettled  deler- 
jninatioii  to  pursue   compliance   with   greater 
find    more  grievous  burden?,,    until   he  could 
meet  a  refusal  to  comply,    we  resolved   to  re- 
j'^ct  all  farther  enrroachnienis  upon  our  riglitp. 
We    therefore    refased  to  obey   his  ar])itrary 
commands  any  lousier.     As  t!iere  was  a  for: 
directly  opposite  the  Island,  where  a  coji^pany 
of  soldiers  were  stationed,  Ave  feared  the  con- 
seqiiences  of  a  revolt,   and  could  only  refuse 
our  obedience,  without  making  any  actual  re- 
sistance-    Tiie  prisoner   to  whom  he  address- 1 
ed  himsell^,    possessed   courage  equal   to  t!ic| 
most  trying  scene  ;  and  choosing  rather  to  suf- 
fer an  honorable  diath  in  defence  of  his  right* J 
than  to  endure  an  igiiominioas  life  of  captive 
felavery,    he    met'   the    infamous     Mc'ivelpin 
with  firmness  and  intrepidity,    altho'    he  ha(l| 
no  prospects   of  any  thing  but  to  endure  ex 
treme  torture,  if  not  death  itself.     Arid  this  he! 
was  the  more  inclined  to  do,  since  it  was  the 
avowed    object  of  the   infamous  \illain,  '"  to| 
wreak  his  vengeance  upon  the  unliappy   priv 
oners,  for  injuries,'^  wiuch  he  said  he  had  re 
ceived  fiom  men,  w'no  were  entire  strangers! 
to  us,  and  in  which  abuse  he   >veU   knew  wej 
iook  no  agency^  or  even  had  any  knowledge. 


'i^mr' 


CAPTIVE. 


61 


ovcl   the 

As  iiic 

il  tlelev- 

fie  coiilci 
d  to  re- 
ir  1  igliip. 
ar])itravv 
IS  a  fort 

the  con- 
[y  refuse 
ictual  n- 

address- 

l1    to    tllC 
cr  to  suf- 
is  rh^ht*; 
f  capilvc 
x'lvelpiu 
lie  had 
(Ijre  ex 
il  this  he 
was  the 
aiii,  ^*to 
>py   prl^ 
had  re 
itrangers 
new  we 
w  ledge. 


When  the  prisv/^ev  refused  compliance,  Mc'- 
Kelpin  came  up  with  a  bayonet,  pointing  di- 
rectly at  him,  and  thrust  it  within  a  few  inch- 
es of  his  breast,  threatening  to  run  him  through 
the  heart  if  he  did  not  immediately  comply. — 
But  the  prisoner,  continuing  firm  in  his  obati- 
uacy,  replied  with  dauntless  coui'age  and  delib- 
erate cooln?ss,  '*  run  me  through  if  you  dare, 
I  fear  you  not.''  Enrai^ed  at  this  reply,  Mc'- 
Kelpin  repeated  his  ilircais  with  redoubled 
Aehemence,  and  inf  iriated  madness,  and  a*" 
ij;aiji  rushed  at  the  prisoner  with  the  greatest 
violence;  tiiu^  endeavgri'ig  to  terrify  him  into 
8?]hmission  to  hi'*  wiiL  Bii  the  prisoner,  with 
all  tiie  appearance  of  a  fall  M.nise  of  d'*ath, 
and  sapp  >i  ted  by  ti»**.  rectitude  of  his  nlotives, 
met  Mc'Kelpin  with  manly  firmness,  and  true 
heroism  ;  puttiog  hi*  hand  upon  his  breast,  and 
telling;  the  impertinent  fugitive  that  '^  he  had  re- 
solved to  die,  f>ef(>re  he  should  yield  obedience, 
tu  the  arbitrary  commands  of  one  whose  nam« 
was  synonymous  with  disgrace,  and  whose  very  - 
vissa5^e  bespoke  the  corruptions  of  a  h(5tirt, 
loaded  with  every  thing  that  is  requisite  to  fit 
a  soul  to  become  an  inhabitant  of  the  re- 
gions of  blac'  'less  and  darkness  forever."  Af- 
ter repeating  his  threats  and  menaces,  several 
times,  and  each  time  receiving  the  most  un- 
qualified denials  from  the  prisoner,  he  proceed- 
ed to  punish  all  such  as  refused  compliance 
with  his  request  lie  associated  witli  threatsji 
tke  most  daring  oaths,  and  awf.d  imprecaticas  j 


•H 


"'■i'' ' 


8S 


INDIAN 


■\:- 


:W\' 


■■'I 


!!!■' 


•Ill 


!'':•' ?"'! 


as  if  he  would  endeavor  to  establish  his  owu 
authority  by  manifesting  to  the  world  his  want 
of  the  fear  of  God,  and  a  disregard  of  every 
thing  that  is  good. 

Like  many  cf  the  present  day,  he  appeared 
to  imagine  that  he  should  be  thought  to  pos- 
sess uncommon  courage,  and  power  unlimited, 
if  he  dared,  openly,  and  without  fear,  to  blas- 
pheme the  name  of  Him,  who  is  the  ruler  of  all 
people,  of  every  language,  tongue  and  nation. 
Finding  all  bis  threatenings  in  vain,  and  dis- 
covering that  no  one  would  yield  obedience  to 
his  requirements,  forgetting  or  disregarding 
the  injustice  of  his  claim,  and  lost  in  the  tor- 
rent of  an2;er  and  revenue,  he  came  with  a 
guard  of  sohUers,  possessing  feelings  in  per- 
fect coincidence  with  his  own,  and  took  the 
defen''ek^.ss,  yet  dauntless  prisoner,  whom  he 
had  threatened  to  rim  through  with  his  bayo- 
net, conveved  him  to  tlie  barrack,  which  was 
used  for  an  ash-house,  put  hhn  in  irons  and 
left  him  to  suifei-  in  the  cold,  the  maiicL»u« 
gratification  of  his  malignant  and  revengeful 
disposition,  telling  the  innocent  and  unfortu- 
nate victim  cf  his  relenthss  fury  tliat  " he 
was  glad  h<*.  refsised  to  comply  with  his  de- 
mands, because  be  had  lojig  v/anted,  and  had 
anxiously  sought  opportunity  to  wreak  his  ven- 
geance on  Iihn,  and  gave  the  order  to  shovel 
the  snow  fi-cm  his  own  door,  for  no  other  pur- 
pose but  to  excite  the  opposition  of  the 
prisoners,    and    tlius   find    occasion  to  pun 


::''^^l 


CAPTIVE. 


83 


3  own 

s  want 

every 

peared 
to  pos- 
imited, 
:o  blas- 
ir  of  all 
nation, 
nd  dls- 
ence  to 
yarding 
the  tor- 
with  a 
ill  per- 
ook  tl>e 
Hoin  iici 
bayo- 
ich  was 
HIS   and 
licl.ta^ 
leni^ef  il 
infovtu- 
it    ^-he 
Ills  de- 
[nd  had 
[lis  vcn- 
shovel 
ler  pur- 
lof    tho 
pun- 


ish tlicm,  and  at  tlie  same  time  take  revenge 
oa  them,  for  tlie  abuse  he  had  received  from 
the  Americans/'     He  then  proceeded  to  order 
others  to  shovel  the  snow,  and  being  still  re- 
fused compliance,  he  threatened  and  confined, 
in  the  same  manner  as  he  did  the  first,  until 
he  had  collected  together,  and  confined  in  that 
cold  barrack,  the  number  of  twenty  one,  who, 
I  were  all  hand-cufled,  and  cliained  to  the  posts^ 
of  the  Barrack.     This  was  5n  January,  178%-. 
I  when   the   cold   Mas   exceeding    severe,    and 
hardly  permitted  a  comfortable  seat  by  the  fire- 
side, or  admitted  of  a  lodging  free  from  snfler- 
ing  in  our  closed  barracks,  with  a  large  quan-  . 
Itity  of  blankets. 

Here  they  were  ordered  to  be  kept,  in  this 
[harrack,  with  the  windows  and  doors  open  to 
llie  wind  and  snoW,  all  that  day  and  the  next 
iight.  But  most  of  tliem  made  their  escape 
to  their  own  barracks  before  the  next  morning, 
►ome  witli  fi'ozen  hands  and  feet,  others  with 
\htiY  ears  and  faces  frozen ;  and  indeed  all 
laving  8ome  part  of  their  bodies  frozen,  and 
be^rini^  the  miserable  tokens  of  their  wretch- 
fd  r^/ufteriugs. 

Hut  their  escape,  notwithstanding  the  visi- 
ble and  abiding  marks  of  their  pain  and  dis- 
jre^s,  only  exasperated  the  mind  of  the  unfeel- 
ing Mc'Kelpin,  and  so  eia^aged  the  desperate 
[illain,  that  he,  the  next  day  morning,  se- 
icted  the  same  prisoners,  and  with  a  heart 
iaider  thou  adamant,   and  hands  more  cruel 


•I  ■1 


m 


M 


illl 


■!i  ,.,!*' 


i^,  .. 


!!^i:   :;    1*' 


m  '  » 


^ 


INDIAN 


tlian  tlic  £;ravc  5  agjun  conflfned  tliem  all  ii» 
irons,  and  ordered  them  put  into  the  chairi' 
her  cf  one  of  the  barracks,  there  to  be 
kept  during  that  day,  the  next  night,  and  tlic 
folh  wing  day,  witiiout  provision,  any  food,  or 
even  a  quid  of  tobacco ! 

Destitute  of  any  clothing,  excepting'  their 
rearing  apparrel,  which  was  poor ;  coiifined 
in  irons,  in  a  small  cold  room,  having  no  food 
cf  any  kind ;  deprived  of  a  luxury  which  liab- 
it  had  rendered  necessary  to  preserve  health, 
and  groaning  under  the  severe  pains  of  their 
frozen  bodies^  their  sufieriags  can  not  easily 
be  immagined,  far  less  described  ! 
y  It  was  my  happy  lot,  however,  not  to  fall 
'<*into  this  number  of  miserable  sufferers  of 
liuman  depravity,  who  were  put  into  the 
ash-house,  and  in  the  chamber.  But  the 
Buflerings  whiih  I  have  mentioned,  were 
only  a  prelude  to  more  painful  torments,  and 
g^reater  [)arbarities-  Thoy  were  taken  from 
the  barrack  cham])er,  one  by  one,  carried  to 
the  guard-house,  and  tortured  in  the  most  cm 
el  manner.  Home  wei«*  surrounded  with  sol 
tlierM,  iirmed  with  guns  and  b/iyoneis,  point 
ing  directly  at  them,  and  so  near  as  to  render 
the  priHomTH   unnble    U)  move   without  being 

1)iened  \\\i\\  t  lie  bayonets  ;  while  the  infamous 
Vlc'Kelpin,  w  biped  the  prisoners,    and  cane 
them,  till  he  had  glutted  his  vengeance.     Wh 
cnit  describe  the  inhuman  ecene  !  to  sec  a  piiF 
oner,  the  victim  of  cruelty  and  wretchedness 


CAPTIVE. 


85 


all  \u 
B  cham- 

to  be 
and  tlic 
food;  or 


their 

Goiifined 

no  food 

licli  liab- 

health, 

of  their 

at  easily 

)t  to  fall 
lerers   oi'| 
1  into   the 
But   the 
d,    were 
nts,  ami 
on    from  I 
anied  to| 
Imost  era- 
vvllh  sol 
s,    point] 
,0  render 
|)nt  heind 
infcimouiil 
Ind  canei 
e.     Whj 
ec  a  piiH 
hednes^ 


e;»iiUle9s  and  defenceless;  confined  in  irons 
With  his  hands  behind  him ;  ready  to  faint  for 
want  of  food  ;  ^oaning  jiinder  the  excrucia- 
ting pains  of  his  frozen  limbs ;  bathed  in 
blood  which  gushed  from  his  mangled  body  ; 
tears  flowing  from  his  eyes,  in  streams  which 
l)espoke,  in  latigua^e  more  forcible  Ihan  a 
voice  like  thunder,  as  they  trickled  down  his 
frozen  checks,  the  sorrows  of  a  heart  s^vollen 
with  grief  and  racked  with  pain  ;  I  could  say 
with  Job,  ^^  mine  eye  is  also  dim,  by  reason  of 
isorrow,  and  all  my  members  arc  as  ashadow\'^ 
Others  of  this  unhappy  number  were  hung 
up  by  the  neck  till  nearly  dead,  while  their 
hands  were  confined  in  irons,  and  their  faces 
black  with  death;  when  tliey  were  taken 
down,  and  the  irons,  w  hich  had  bound  their 
hands,  jamed  into  tljeir  mouths  till  they  were 
filled  with  blood !  Who  could  behold  this,  and 
not  weep  and  mourn  for  the  depravity  of 
man  left  to  himself!  Who  csn  witness  a 
scene  like  this,  without  acknowledging,  with 
self  application,  the  truth  of  those  v»rds 
which  fell  from  our  Saviour's  lips,  to  the  u»i- 
believing  Jews,  "ye  are  of  your  father  the 
Devil,  and  the  lusts  of  ;your  father  \i  will 
do.'^  After  enduring  these  horrid  barbarities, 
and  inhuman  tortures,  inflicted  bj  men,  pro- 
fessing the  principles  of  humanity,  the  unhap- 
py suUerers  were  sent  back  to  their  barracks, 
there  to  weep  and  bewail  their  miserable  fate. 
Often  have  my  cheeks  been  wet  with  tears  of 

H 


86 


INDIAN 


^'UJ 


i!  'ii.iji 


w 


m 


if! 


iii' 


commisseration,  while  my  heart  ached  withiis 
me,  for  these  unfortunate  suflerers  of  the  unre- 
strained vengeance  of  a  depraved  villain. — 
Nor  was  I  left  to  be  reminded  of  their  tor- 
ture and  distress,  only  by  a  recollection  of  the 
past ;  but  my  eyes  ceuld  witness  the  scars  of 
wounds ;  and  behold  the  pale-faced  visage  of 
death,  abiding  on  the  countenance  of  many, 
which  were  received  by  the  cruelties  of  this 
horrid  scene.  And,  alas !  I  needed  only  to 
look  at  myself,  and  all  around  me,  to  remind 
mt  of  the  woeful  case  of  those,  whose  lot  it  is, 
to  fall  into  the  hands,  and  become  the  victims 
9f  a  revengeful  tyrant ;  and  suffer  the  wrath 
of  a  man  totally  devoid  of  mercy ;  unrestrain- 
ed  either  by  the   autliority  of  a  superior,  the 

laws  of  his  country,  or  the  fear   of  God. 

Doubtless,  many  will  \a  ear  tlte  marks,  and 
thus  bear  witness  of  his  cruelty  to  their 
graves. 

Emaciated  countenances,  scars,  and  imped- 
iment of  speech,  were  the  visible  marks  of 
the  savage  and  inhuman  treatment,  which 
they  received  from  the  hand  of  Mc'Kelpin. — 
Let  detestation  be  written  ii])on  his  character, 
as  legibly  as  the  marks  of  de])ravity  are  to  be 
seen  in  his  visage,  and  it  shall  be  a  lesson  to 
his  posterity  to  flee  frcm  iuifjuity,  and  fv)11ow 
the  path  cf  virtue.  He  excelled  in  nothing 
but  cruelty  and  inhumanity;  and  was  superi- 
01'  to  none,  excopt  in  the  most  nefarious  acts  cf 
iniquity,  tyranny  and  oppresj^ion.     His   higk- 


CAPTIVE. 


9r 


iihm 
imre- 
in. — 
tor- 
if  the 
ars  of 
igc  of 
nany, 
f  this 
ily  to 
jmind 
li  it  i?, 
ictims 
wrath 
jtrain- 
r,  the 

u  and 
their 


which 


est  ambition  appeared  to  be,  to  "heap  up 
wrath  against  the  day  of  wrath/^  and  prepare 
himself  to  receive  "  vengeance  due  to  them 
that  know  not  God^  and  obey  not  tlie  gospel 
of  oiir  Lord  Jesus  Chrfst,  who  shall  be  pun- 
ished with  everlasting  destruction.'^  He  ap- 
peared, involuntarily,  to  verify  the  truth  of 
the  proverb,  "  lie  that  i-^  soon  angry,  dealeth 
foolishly,  and  a  man  of  wicked  devices  is  ha- 
ted/^ Out  of  the  abundance  of  the  heart,  he 
publicly  declared,  "  that  he  had  taken  more 
comfort  in  afflicting  the  prisoners  four  days, 
than  he  had  four  years  time  previous/^  This 
declaration  requires  no  additional  proof  to 
convince  every  mind  vsuscoptible  of  the  least 
sympathetic  allection,  that  he  was  possessed  of 
no  better  (fisposition  than  the  infernal  spirits ; 
and  must  be  sufficient  to  stamp  his  name  with 
infamy;  and  at  the  same  time,  excite  cora- 
misseratiou,  in  the  heart  of  every  person  who 
realizes  it  is  by  grace,  and  not  by  works,  that 
he  i-;  saved  from  falling  into  the  like  wicked- 
ness. Nor  let  any  man  boast  of  his  good 
works,  knowing  it  is  the  gift  of  God  to  pos- 
sess chority. 

When  we  review  this  awful,  though  faint 
description  of  the  conduct  of  Mc^  Kelpin,  who 
enjoyed  the  advantages  of  civilization,  and 
was  favored  with  the  joyful  tidings  of  "peace 
on  earth,  and  good  will  tow  irds  men  ;''  filled 
with  anger  and  revenge,  nature  cries  within  us 
"curse  the  wreich.-'     But  when  the  meekness 


m 


'rJl 


m 


ill 


"*'  ^!l 


SB 


INDIAN 


,1,;  ,  .;■ 


i;,.ii!     t 


fci 


II  Fl 


'I! 


m 


••I 


;l 


and  pity  of  the  Saviour,  iu  liia  dying  agouies 
iipou  the  shameful  and  accnrsed  tree,  are 
s^uffered  to  find  a  place  iu  oar  bosoms,  ue  are 
led  to  cry  N>ith  him  ^•Father  for^ive.'^  Aud 
though  the  conflict  between  revenge  and  for- 
giving mercy,  be  strong;  yet  the  latter  will 
surely  prevail,  whenever  slie  is  properly  eom- 
njanded,  and  led  by  the  spirit  of  truth. 

I  would  not  intimate  that  I  have  the  power 
of  n^crotiaury ;  nor  pret:^n:l  to  possess  a  spir- 
it of  divination ;  but  from  the  authority  of 
Holy  writ,  "  this  is  the  portion  of  a  wicked 
man  with  God,  and  the  heritage  of  opprei^- 
sors,  which  they  shall  receive  of  the  Al- 
mighty. If  his  children  be  multiplied,  it  is 
for  the  sword  ;  and  his  offspring  shall  not  be 
satisfied  with  bread.  Those  that  remain  of  him 
shall  be  buried  in  death ;  and  his  widows  shall 
not  weep.  Though  he  heap  up  silver  as  the 
dust,  and  prepare  raiment  as  the  clay ;  he 
may  prepare  it,  but  the  just  shall  put  it  on, 
and  the  innocent  shall  divide  the  silver.^'  I 
shall  therefore  leave  this  great  disturber  of 
peace,  and  oppressor  of  the  afflicted,  to  re- 
ceive from  the  hand  of  ^^  Him,  who  does  all 
things  well,''  the  punishment  due  to  his  wick- 
edness ;  or  share  in  the  mercy  offered  to  the 
truly  penitent ;  hoping  that  he  may  have  al- 
ready, by  deep  repentance,  found  forgiveness  ; 
tw  will  before  his  death,  if  he  is  yet  living, 
taste  the  sweetness  of  redeeming  grace, 


CAPTIVE. 


89 


e,  are 
>ve  aw 
Ami 
(1  for- 
ir  will 
y  eom- 

power 
a  spir- 
rity  of 
wicked 
[)ppre«- 
he  A), 
tl,  it  is 
not  be 

of  him 
^^s  shall 

as  the 

y;  i»e 
it  oa, 
."  I 
ber  of 
to  re- 
oes  all 
wick- 
to  thtt 
,ve  al- 
^eness  ; 
living, 


He  tarried  not  long  on  the  Island,  though 
iii«ch  longer  than  he  was  desired,  when  an- 
other took  his  oflBce,  whose  name  I  do  not  rec- 
ollect, who  manifested  a  disposition  for  peace ; 
established  good  order ;  appeared  to  have  a 
regard  to  the  laws  of  justice,  humanity,  and 
l>enevolence ;  restored  tranquility  among  the 
prisoners,  and  reconciliation  between  them 
and  the  guard. 

Could  I  recollect  the  name  of  this  person,  I 
would  present  him  to  the  public  as  a  charac- 
ter worthy  of  imitation  ;  and  as  ^'  peace-ma- 
kers shall  be  called  the  children  of  God,^'  I 
tliink  I  am  authorisied  by  the  Hcly  scriptarea 
to  call  him  by  that  dignified  and  honorable  ti- 
tle. 

In  the  spring,  complaint  was  made  to  the 
British  provincial  government,  against  the  base 
Mc'Kelpiti,  which  resulted  oaly  in  his  exclu- 
sion from  the  service  of  the  army,  with  dis- 
grace. The  long  and  successful  rebellion  of 
the  Colonies,  had  greatly  exasperated  the  Brit- 
ish ;  and  Mc'Kelpin  being  a  strong  adher- 
ent to  tlieir  government,  loyal  to  his  majesty  ; 
and  having  been  harshly  treated  for  his  tory- 
ism,  doubtless  the  Court,  by  which  he  was  tri- 
ed, was  strongly,  though  unjustly  biased  in 
his  favor,  v/hich  greatly  ameliorated  his  pun^ 
ishment. 

In  seed  time,  we  were  allowed  the  privilege 
to  sow  garden  seeds,  and  plant  corn.  This 
gave  us  a  prospect  of  being  furnished  with  qqI 


i*  m 


I'.' 


V 


mf' 


1  y  :    '    i 


«0 


INDIAN 


only  a  more  full  supply,  but  a  p'oater  variety 
of  food,  if  it  should  prove  our  unhappy  lot  to 

be    kept  in  confinement   another    winter. 

It  also  gave  the  prisoners  an  opportunity  to 
use  proper  exercise  to  preserve  health,  and 
prevent  disease,  a  consideration  of  no  small 
importance.  But,  disaffected  by  our  former 
treatment,  and  fearing  that  the  afflictions  we 
had  once  received,  would  again  be  laid  upon 
us,  many  chose  to  hazard  their  lives  by  an  at- 
tempt to  swim  down  the  rapids.  Some  thus 
succeeded  in  making  their  escape,  while  others 
only  plunged  themselves  into  the  jaws  of 
detitli ! 

This  caused  the  confinement  of  all  who 
were  left  behind.  The  British  now  set  about 
encompassing  our  barracks  m  ith  pickets,  or 
barricades,  by  setting  posts  in  the  ground  ad- 
joining each  other,  and  fastening  them  togeth- 
er. 

Discovering  what  they  were  about  to  do, 
several  of  tKe  prisoners,  among  whom  I  was 
myself  one,  resolved  to  make  our  endeavors  to 
effect  our  escipe,  before  they  had  completed 
the  barricade,  and  encircled  our  camp,  which 
would  deprive  ujs  of  the  liberty  of  th^  Island. 
We  accordingly  collected  some  logs  together 
on  the  lower  part  of  the  Island  for  a  raft ;  car- 
ried some  provisions  for  our  sustenance  on  the 
way  home  ;  secreted  it  near  Uie  logs  ;  and  at 
an  hour  when  we  supposed  all  were  at  rest, 
we  started,  but  had  not  gone  far^  when  we  ea^ 


CAPTIVE. 


«t 


ariely 
lot  to 

r. 

ity  to 
9  and 
small 
former 
ns  wo 
I  upon 
an  at- 
B  thus 
1  others 

LWS    of 

1    who 
t  about 

pts,  or 
nd  ad- 
to2:eth- 

to  do, 
I  was 
-vor«  to 
apleted 
which 
sland. 
)gether 
;  ear- 
on  the 
and  at 
rest, 
we  ea^ 


t 


pied  one  of  the  sohliers  upon  the  bank  of  the 
river,  employed  in  dressing;  some  fish.  We 
then  returned  to  our  barracks.  Our  attempt 
to  escape  now  became  known  to  some  of  our 
fellow  prisoners,  by  discovering^  our  absence, 
who  ])etrayed  our  olyect  to  our  keepers ;  thus 

rouiling  favor  by  the  deeds  of  treachery. 

Having  these  suspicions,  we  improved  an  op- 
portunity to  bring  back  our  provisions ;  and 
the  next  day  gave  proof  that  our  suspicions 
were  well  founded  ;  as  they  then  w  ent  and 
rolled  all  the  logs  off  that  part  of  the  Island. 

AVc  still  were  determined  to  use  every  ex- 
ertion, and  watch  for  an  opportunity  to  effect  our 
escape  from  confinement,  while  we  saw  their  la- 
bors to  prevent  u#.  We  sought,  but  sought  iu 
rain.  Time  rolled  away  till  we  found  our- 
selves inclosed  with  pickets,  which  rendered 
it  almost  impossible  to  make  our  escape ;  as 
we  were  not  allowed  to  go  without  this  inclo- 
surc,  unattended  by  the  guard,  and  that  too 
in  the  day  lime  only. 

We  were  jt! lowed  to  go  in  the  day  time,  at- 
tended by  one  or  two  oJF  tlie  guard,  and  hoe 
our  corn  and  garden  roots.  But  this  af- 
forded us  no  opportunit;y  for  escape,  as  it  was 
impossible  to  swim  the  current  on  ei- 
ther side  of  the  Island,  undiscovere*]  by  the 
g'lard  or  the  soldiers  stationed  in  the  fort  op- 
posite the  Island,  ^he  prisoners,  as  may  well 
be  sup]>osed,  hacL  1  »ig  been  very  uneasy,  and 
discontented;  but   ^s    is  usually  the  case,   li 


it"i 


m 


m 


■'if. 


i 


\i ' 


,u.y 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  {MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


l^|28     |2.5 
1^    12.2 


""    136      I: 

m 

us 


IAS    IIIIIM 


1.8 


1.25 

1.4 

1.6 

-* 6"     — 

► 

^% 


/ 


y 


//a 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WRtiiTER.N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


<1 

) 

f/^ 

^ 

4t 


Kit'"..     ■ 
■  I, 


'iPL 


m 


Illi'l'O.    : 


fl!;.tii 


9S 


INDIAN 


sense  of  being  confined  caused  still  more  dis- 
quietude in  their  minds^  and  excited  an  eager 
desire  to  be  freed  from  bondage. 

The  yard,  wliich  was  surrounded  by  the 
pickets,  was  about  ten  or  fifteen  rods  wide, 
and  nearly  forty  rods  long,  extending  length- 
ways of  the  stream.  They  completed  the 
yard,  some  time  in  the  month  of  July,  A.  D. 
J782 — Having  encouragement  of  receiving  our 
discharge,  by  exchange,  often  held  out  to  us  ; 
and  seeing  little  prospect  of  succeeding  in  the 
hazardous  attempt  to  escape  from  our  confine- 
ment, we  long  waited  with  great  impatience 
for  the  approach  of  that  desirable  event,  and 
wholly  neglected  to  use  any  exertion  to  gain 
our  liberty  by  flight.  But  w^  at  length  per- 
ceived that  tlieir  object  in  giving  us  repeated 
encouragement  of  being  exchanged,  was  only 
to  dally  us  Avith  the  fond  hopes  of  soon  seeing 
better  days,  and  thus  amuse  our  minds  with 
fancied  prospects!,  while  they  should  be  ena- 
bled to  rivet  our  chains,  i>r  privately  assassin- 
ate some  undistinguished  number  of  us.  Of 
this  design,  we .  had  abundant  proof,  or  at 
least,  of  a  disposition  to  abuse  their  power,  by 
rendering  it  subservient  to  the  most  despica- 
ble actions,  aiul  wicked  purposes.  For  find- 
ing one  of  the  prisoners  alone  in  the  evening, 
a  gang  of  them  took  him,  put  a  rope  around 
his  neck,  threatening  to  stab  him  to  the  heart 
if  he  made  any  noise,  and  were  about  to  hang 
bim,  when  one  pf  the  company,   staling  him 


..t 


re  (lis- 
ti  eagev 

by  the 
wide, 
length- 
led  the 
,  A.  D. 
ing  our 
tto  us ; 
;  in  the 
ionfine- 
►atiencc 
itf  and 
to  gain 
th  per- 
ppeated 
as  only 
seeing 
s  with 
e  ena- 
sassin* 
s.  Of 
or  at 
^er,  by 
espica- 
>r  find- 
,ening, 
around 
\  heart 
3  bang 


.■^■' 


CAPTIVE. 


m 


in  th  efkce,  with  a  tone  of  disappoiutmeut,  cried 
out,  ^  O  this  is  not  the  one.^^  They  then  took 
the  ro|>e  ofl'  his  neck,  and  let  him  go. 

Thit!f  manifested  to  the  prisoners,  either  a 
determination  among  tlic  guard  ^o  waylay  some 
of  us,  or  a  wish  to  tritte  with  their  authority, 
by  creating  fiar  in  our  minds,  and  thus  tor- 
ment the  afflicted. 

As  we  were  sensible  that  the  guard,  if  dis- 
polled,  (which  avc  little  doubted)  might  assas- 
diiate  one  or  more  of  the  prisoners,  and  con- 
signing the  body  to  the  waters  of  the  river, 
keep  the  transaction  hid  from  the  knowledge 
of  any  person  who  should  not  be  engaged  in 
the  horrid  deed,  we  were  led  ever  afterwards 
to  take  the  precaution,  never  to  be  found  alone 
in  the  dark,  unarmed  with  a  large  scalping 
kaife,  which  we  kept  in  our  camp,  and  which 
served  as  a  dagger  and  weapon  of  defence  a- 
gainst  a  violent  attack  of  nocturnal  enemies. 
Having  long  been  flattei'ed  with  the  prospect 
of  soon  being  set  at  liberty ;  and  discovering 
an  intention  among  the  guard  privately  to  as- 
sassinate some  unknown  numbe'*  of  us  ;  we  re- 
solved to  make  another  attempt  to  effect  our 
escape,  aud  thus  free  ourselves  from  ther  bru- 
tal tyranny  and  unhallowed  pretences. 

We  had  once  paid  several  dollars-  to  one  of 
the  guard  to  suffer  us  to  pass  through  the  gate^ 
should  he  find  an  opportunity :  but  never  hM 
the  good  fortune,  even  to  see  himi  again. 


i 


M'm  ', 


mi; 


I     ' 


MP 

.til  '■'! 

m 


'irj! 


'My . 


.         ^kfii     V-      ■- 


M 


INDIAN 


mi 


% 


,"» 


■  t 


m-v. 


■■'',1- 


The  plan  we  adopted  was  in  itsdf  extreme- 
ly precarious  as  to  its  success^  and  afibrded  so 
little  encouragement  even  to  those  wlio  seem- 
ed to  be  most  anxious  to  obtain  tlieir  freedom, 
that  few  would  engage  in  the  enterprise ;  be- 
■  lieving  it  would  be  a  fruitless  attempt  to  ob- 
tain  our  object,  which  would  only  cost  us  paiu, 
and  bring  upon  us  more  sore  trials,  and  far 
greater  afflictions. 

Had  we  been  confined  upon  the  main  land, 
where  liberty  from  the  prison,  would  haves 
afforded  us  a  chance  to  retreat  from  danger, 
though  we  should  be  obliged  even  to  pass 
the  gates  of  a  city  surrounded  with  enemies, 
having  our  hands  bound  in  irons,  and  our  feet 
fettered  with  chains,  yet,  our  prospects  of  suc- 
cess in  our  attempt  to  escape,  had  still  been 
Imghter  tlian  now  presented  to  our  view. — 
For,  then,  our  deliverance  from  prison  might 
have  given  us  a  passport  to  the  wilderness, 
free  from  danger  ;  but  now,  our  freedom  from 
those  Avails  of  wretchedness,  incurred  the  pe- 
nalty of  death,  which  was  annexed  to  our  es- 
cape if  overtaken;  and  brought  us  to  ^Uroub- 
led  waters,"  which  seemed  to  promise  death 
inevitable  to  all  who  should  attempt  to  pass 
the  current,  even  with  well  fitted  boats,  while 
we  had  nothing  in  our  power  but  logs,  fasten- 
ed together  with  ropes. 

Our  plan  was  to  dig  a  passage  under  ground 
that  should  extend  bevond  the  pickets,  whidi 


•stood  about  tweutv  feet  from  the  barracks, 


CAPTR^E. 


■k'i^^' 


95 


xtrcmo- 
»rded  so 
D  seem- 
Veedom, 
se ;  be- 
i  to  ob- 
U8  paiU) 


It  had  been  our  practice  during  the  jamnnicr  to 
hang;  up  blankets  around  the  bunks  in  which 
jwe  slept,  to  prevent  the  flies  from  troubling  us, 
while  we  reposed  upon  our  couch  in  the  day 
Itime. 

We  now  again  hung  up  the  blankets  around 
lone  of  our  bunks  in  a  corner  of  the  room,  tho' 


A} 


If    W^^  ^^^  prevent  being  disturbed  by  flies,  but  to 
Ihidc  ourselves  from  the  face  of  ^^  serpents  that 


in  land, 
Id  havci 
danger, 
to  pass 
enemies, 
I  our  feet 
ts  of  sue 


pents 
jwill  bite  without  enchantment  5  and  a  bablcr 
yhich  is  no  better.'^ 

Fearing  the  conseqtience  of  makipg  our 
ibject  known  to  the  prisoners  generally,  we 
etermined  to  keep  it  a  profound  secret  to  all, 
xcept  the  number  who  belonged  to  our 
00m,  consisting  of  twelve. 

firr"enl  A^<^^r^"*^^y?  \ye  took  up  the  floor,  both  of 

■he  bunk  and  barrack,    and  commenced  die;- 
view  """"  I  •  • 

-\  1  king.     If  any  of  our  fellow  prisoners,  or  the 

^         ard,  happened  to  come'in  while  one  was  at 

ork,  others   would  drown  the  noise  of   his 

iggiiig,  by  making  some  noise   with  a  stick, 

with  their  feet,    which  was  easily  done — 

fithout  being  suspected  of  the  design. 

T^'ttil  1F^  dug  in  a  perpendicular  direction,  deep 

lOugh  to  have  a  horizontal   course   leave  the 

vth  !)ctween  the  barracks  and  the  pickets,  of 

fficient  depth  to  render  it  safe  for  the  guard 

travel    over   the  hole,   w  ithout    breaking 

rou^h. 

As  they  had  dug  a   ditch  along  the   back 
c  of  the  barracks  between  them  and  the 


)U     i"*«5 

Iderness, 
Icm  from 
the  pe- 
our  es- 
^'  troub- 

e 

to  pass 
s,  while 
,  fasten- 

Ir  ground 
,  whidi 
racks. — 


# 


f 


J.' 


M 


■f 


■  m 


i, 


I, ..,]  ^  I 


.M 


OS 


INDIAN 


Hii 


fictetfa,  in  order  to  bank  up  the  walls  of  ttic 
barracks,  it  became  necessary  for  us  to  dig  a 
perpendicular  course  of  considerable  deptb, 
btfjce  we  could  dig  horizontally,  to  prevent 
any  person  who  might  chance  to  travel  in  the 
ditch,  from  breaking  in,  and  discover  our  plan. 

We  had  no  other  tool  to  dig  with,  except 
a  large  Jack-knife ;  tior  indeed  could  we  use 
any  other  iiistiniment  with  any  advantage  when 
we  come  to  dig  in  a  horizontal  line.  Aiid  like 
the  animal  that  makes  his  abode  in  the  bosom 
of  the  earth,  by  digging  a  subterraneous  pas- 
sage to  his  gloomy  cell,  after  we  had  dug  a 
quantity  of  earth  loose,  so  that  we  had  no 
room  to  dig  more,  We  returned  backwards, 
drawing  or  scraping  the  dirt  we  had  dug,  with 
our  hands  and  Jirms^  Which  we  put  under  the 
floor  of  the  barracksf* 

Our  progress,  as  must  readily  be  perceived, 
tV  as  very  slow  ;  though  some  one  of  us  kept  con- 
stantly digging,  except  in  the  hours  of  sleep^ 
and  time  of  taking  refreshment ;  alternately  fol 
lowing  each  othefr  in  ourturtis ;  having  a  dress 
prepared  for  the  purpose,  which  each  om 
Wore,  while  at  woyk  in  this  dreary  cavejrn, 
where  we  were  groping  iii  darkness  at  ndon 
day. 

Here  we  had  an  opportunity  to  reflect  upon 
our  wretched  condition,  while  our  labour  itj 
self  witnessed  our  sufl^erings  and  discontent! 
ment.     Here  we  could  perceive  the  compamJ 
tive  state  of  him,  who  spiritually  ^^walkottii 


to 
W 
Ihd 
of 


CAPTIVE. 


■^ 


97 


of  tlic 
)  dig  a 

deptli, 

prevent 

I  in  tlie 

mr  plan. 

except 

we  use 
Lge  wlicn 
Aiul  like 
le  bosom 
pons  pas- 
d   dug  a 

had  no 
.ckwards, 
dug,  with  I 
under  the  I 

)crceived,| 
kept  con- 
of  «leep,| 
ately  fol- 
g  a  dressl 
each  on^j 
cavern, 
iS  at  nbon 

jflect  upon 
llabour  it 

[iscontcnt 
c^mparaj 
rftlkethii 


darkness  and  liatli  no  light."  Here  it  might 
indeed,  with  propriety  be  said,  that  silence 
wept !  We  succeeded,  however,  in  the  prose- 
cution of  our  design  extremely  well,  finding 
no  obstacle  in  our  way  till  we  had  dug  under 
the  ditch,  before  mentioned,  when  a  heavy 
rain  fell,  and  filled  the  diteh  full  of  water, 
which  soaked  through  the  ground  into  our 
subterraneous  way,  and  filled  the  hole  we  had 
dug  completely  full.  This  was  truly  a  great 
misfortune^  which  dampened  the  feelings  of 
every  one  who  had  been  engaged  in  the  ardu- 
ous undertaking. 

As  Me  had  dug  considerable  distance,  and 
advanced  nearly  to  the  pickets;  had  toiled 
with  diligence,  and  expended  much  labour, 
we  were  unwilling  to  relinquish  the  task,  and 
submit  to  the  idea  of  continuing  in  bondage 
another  winter.  And  Ave  were  the  more  anx- 
ious to  pursue  the  undertaking,  and  effect  our 
escape,  because  the  infamous  McDaniel,  of 
whom  I  have  spoken,  had  now  returned  and  re-, 
sumed  his  commmid  over  us,  which  gave  us 
greater  reason  to  fear  that  we  should  again  be 
compelled  to  undergo  those  tortures,  wluch  he 
had  once  inflicted. 

But  it  now  became  impossible,  any  longer 
to  keep  the  matter  secret,  as  we  had  done. 
We  therefore  made  known  our  object  to  all 
the  prisoners,  who  were  stationed  in  our  line 
of  barracks,  and  receiving  their  universal,  and 
respective  promises,  not  to  divulge  the  secret 


!i 
'If 


il'iw 


'^IMii 


'ii'iii' 


t: 


|!;".i! 


l'''f^ 


■jra 


« 


INDLVN 

to  any  cf  the  prisoners,  ai  ho  \\  ere  stationed 
in  the  other  line  of  barracks ;  although  few 
would  assist  us,  considering  it  labour  in  vain, 
we  resolved  to  persevere  in  the  plai,  and,  if 
possible,  effect  our  escape. 

AVe  now  commenced  dipping  cut  the  waier 
into  a  barrel,  v>  hicli  we  emptied  into  a  ditch 
that  was  made  to  convey  our  wash- water  from 
the  barracks  Into  the  river.  We  dipped  six 
barrel's  full,  and  emptied  it  into  the  ditch ; 
besides  a  considerable  quantity  which  we  put 
into  a  clay-pit,  under  the  barracks,  where  they^ 
dug  clay  for  their  chiinnies,  and  still  there 
w  as  mucii  left  in  our  w  ay. 

The  guard,  no  doubt,  supposed  we  were 
washing,  or  they  would  ha^e  suspected  us. 
Nor  yet  can  I  account  for  their  stupidity, 
while  tliey  saw  we  w  ere  in  possession  of  such 
a  quantity  cf  water,  m  hich  we  brought  out 
of,  without  carrying  into,  our  barracks. 

We  were  now  cbliged  to  lie  half  buried  in 
mud  and  water,  while  digging,  which  chilled 
our  bodies,  benumbed  our  senses,  and  depress- 
ed our  spirits. 

To  prevent  being  discovered,  when  we  re- 
turned from  our  toil  we  were  under  the 
necessity  of  v^  aching;  ourselves  in  a  larere  tub 
cf  water,  which  we  had  also  placed  behind 
our , blankets,  that  Avere  hung  up  around  our 
bunk,  as  we  now  were  forced  on  accouat  of 
the  mud,  to  enter  upon  our  subterraneous  la; 
bour,  entirely  naked.    . 


iiiiN 


m 


CAPTIVE. 


09 


uned 
few 

vain, 

I,  if 

A'aicr 
ditch 
from 
[I  six 
litch ; 
e  put 
t  tliey^ 
there 


were 
'd  us. 
ndity/ 
sucli 
out 


it 


icd  in 
hilled 

press - 

^ve  rc- 
the 
;e  tub 
)ebiDd 
d  our 
lut  of 
s  la- 


Vain  would  be  the  attempt  to  give  a  descrip- 
tion of  ray  feelings,  while  at  work  in  this 
dreary  cavern,  twenty  feet  under  ground, 
wholly  without  clothing,  half  buried  in  mud, 
and  stragling  for  liberty. 

I  was  removed  from  all  my  friends  and  rel- 
atives,  the  distance  of  more  than  three  Inn- 
dred  miles,  and  placed  upon  an  Island  in  tha 
river,  on  both  sides  of  wiiicli,  the  water 
mjved  ov^v^'.r  the  ra^'^ei  rojks,  with  such  ve- 
*locity,  as  to  appear  white  to  the  eye,  like  a 
foaming  billow,  not  less  than  three  miles  in 
length.  Htire  I  was  confined  within  the  pow- 
er, and  exp  )sed  to  tlie  envy,  malice,  and  re- 
geiitaient  of  an  implicable  enemy.  Shrouded 
in  darkness,  in  the  heart  of  the  earth,  where 
ligiit  was  unapproachable,  my  body  lay  in  the 
mire,  and  my  mind  was  overwhelmed  with 
sorrow  !  If  wc  refrained  from  digging,  we 
seemed  to  be  threatened  with  death  on  every 
side ;  and  if  we  continued  to  dig,  our  pros- 
pect appeared  as  melancholly  as  the  grave! 
Fear  and  trouble  were  before  us,  w  hile  our 
absence  from  the  barracks,  exposed  us  to  the 
danger  of  having  our  plan  discovered,  which 
would  be  sure  to  bring  upon  us  th(i  most  aw- 
ful tortures,  and  perhaps  even  dei^  itself. 
We  chose,  however,  to  hazard  our  liveMu  an 
attempt  te  escape,  though  doubtful  of  suc- 
cess, than  to  risk  the  consequences  of  remain- 
ing in  confinement. 


m 


i  ii  t, 


Jill 


Ik^f^ 


100 


INDIAN 


W 


m.: 


v\   < 


if    ft'W 


<h'  •' 


I  ■■ 


When  we  arrived  to  tlic  picket,  we 'found 
it  was  placed  upon  a  large  stone.  We 
then  daij;  to  the  right,  where  we  found  anoth- 
er, whicli  formed  an  angle  with  the  first — ^Then 
turning  to  the  left,  we  also  found  a  third.  All 
ivhich,  seemed  to  discourage  my  fellow  la- 
bourers, and  led  tliem  entirely  to  give  up  the 
ohject.  But,  being  in  perfect  health,  and  in 
good  spirits,  myself,  I  went  in  with  a  deter- 
mination to  remove  one  of  these  obstacles,  if 
possible,  before  I  returned.  We  had,  by  this 
time,  made  quite  a  large  cavern  near  the  pick- 
ets;  which  gave  me  considerable  chance  to 
work.  After  labouring  in  this  cold,  dismal 
place,  during  the  space  of  two  hours,  I  suc- 
ceeded in  removing  one  of  the  stones  out  of 
the  Way,  and  to  my  great  joy,  I  found,  that 
the  picket  was  hollow  up  a  few  inches  above 
the  ground,  which  emmitted  light  into  this, 
before  gloomy,  but  now  delightful  place.  I 
could  verily  say  with  Solomon,  ^Uruly  the 
light  is  sAveet,  and  a  pleasant  thing  it  is  to 
behold  the  sun.'' 

I  then  returned,  and  iiformed  my  fellow 
prisoners  cf  my  success,  wjucIi  occasioned 
transports  of  joy ;  raised  the  desponding  ;  en- 
couraged the  f.iithlcss  ;  confirmed  the  doubt- 
ing ;  and  put  new  vigour  in  every  breast. 

The  Avork  was  now  prosecuted  m  earnest, 
and  soon  completed.  Animated  at  the  pros- 
pect of  gaining  our  liberty,  the  one  who  dug 
lastj  undesignedly,  broke  through  the  grouad 


mmmm 


CAPTIVE. 


101 


toun(\ 
We 

notli- 
Then 
All 
^v  la- 
ip  the 
11(1  in 
leter- 
es,  if 
y  this 
pick- 
ice  to 
lismal 

[    8UC- 

)ut  of 
that 

above 
this^ 

e.     I 

y  the 
is  to 

■ellow 

ioned 

;  en- 

loubt'i 

rnest, 
pros- 
o  dug 
;rouiid 


aiiil  roiulercd  the  hole  visible  to  any  pprson, 
who  should  liappen  to  pass  on  the  oiitside  of 
tlie  pickets.  It  now  b('C!\me  necessary  to 
<levi.se  a  plan  to  secrete  the  hole  fioni  the  ob-  ' 
scrvation  of  the  guard.  To  efiVct  t!iis,  Mr.  ' 
lielknap,  one  of  our  fellow  prisoner^y  went  to 
the  ,j;uara,  and  in  a  disscmbiing  tone,  repre- 
sented to  McDaniel,  the  liUld  prospect  wo  . 
had  of  heing  exrhan2;ed ;  that  we  had  ionij; 
heen  flattered,  and  as  lon^'  wailed  with  anx- 
ious expectation,  for  the  ai)proach  of  such  a 
happy  event;  but  fiudiu^  ourselves  disap- 
j)ointed,  we  were  forced  to  ahandou  all  hopes, 
of  delicerance  hy  ea'chav.i^e  that  fall ;  that, 
under  these  considerations,  the  prisoners  were 
resolved  to  be  contented,  duriiii^  their  conSnc- 
loent  on  the  Island,  till  they  sliould  find  them- 
selves actually  set  at  liberty;  when  all  their 
hopes?  would  be  SAvallowed  up  in  the  full  frui- 
tion of  the  object  we  had  so  lon^  sought.  Con- 
sequently we  dcsirerl  the  indulgence  of  an  op- 
portunity to  secure  all  our  garden  seeds,  some 
of  which,  such  as  lettuce  and  mustard,  were 
then  ripe,  and  fit  to  harvest,  that  we  might  be 
enaljled  to  supply  ourselves  with  the  like  ar- 
ticles, the  ensuing  year,  should  it  be  our  un- 
happy case,  to  remain  on  the  Island  another 
season. 

Pleased  with  the  idea  that  tlie  prisoners 
were  resolved  to  be  submissive  to  his  require- 
ments, he  readily  ordered  one  of  the  guard  to 
to  go  and  attend  us  w  hile  we  gathered  our  let- 

I  S 


.^:^ 


'    ,  'ill 


if 


('v! 


//i'^ 


102 


INDIAN 


iii.i'< 


min 


v\ 


,  ■> 


';v^i. 


tuce  and  mustard,  wlioso,  duty  it  was  to  see  that 
no  one  ahsconded.  Having  cut,  and  tied  up, 
in  small  bundles,  these  vegetahles,  we  pro- 
ceeded to  hang  them  up,  so  as  to  fill  the  space 
between  the  pickets,  and  also  place  them  over 
the  hole  we  had  dug,  to  hide  our  escape  from 
the  sight  of  the  sentinel,  who  walked  over  the 
hole,  between  the  pickets  and  the  barracks, 
in  whicli  we  were  stationed.  This,  we  ac- 
complished, while  our  unsuspecting  attendant 
was  lounging  aboul,  at  a  distance  from  us. 

Here  we  beheld  an  example  of  selfishness, 
discontentment,  fear  and  deception,  .actually 
assuming  the  appearance  of  honesty,  content- 
ment, and  submission. 

Knowing  that  we  must  seperate  ourselves  in- 
to small  companies,  and  take  different  rafts, 
in  order  to  render  our  passage  down  the  rap- 
ids more  safe ;  we  now  made  choice  of  our 
associates,  to  pass  the  dangerous  scene  before 
us.  I  associated  myself  with  WilliamClark, 
of  Yirginia,  John  Sprague,  of  Ballston  New- 
York,  and  Simeon  Belknap,  of  Randolph, 
Vermont.  We  had  prepared  somf^  food  for 
our  sustenance  on  the  way,  by  takiui,  a  quan- 
tity of  flour,  and  mixing  it  with  melted  butter, 
which  we  put  into  a  small  bag,  made  for  the 
purpose.  We  also  had  a  little  salt-pork,  and 
bread,  together  with  some  parched  com,  and 
black  pepper. 

Those  of  us  who  had  been  engaged  in  dig- 
ging, had  ^)reviously  furnished  ourselves  with 


m 


CAPTIVE. 


103 


Uiat 

up, 
pro- 
ipace 
over 
from 
r  the 
ackn, 
c  ac- 
iidant 
s. 

mcsSy 
:ually 
ft  tent- 

cs  in- 
I  rafts, 
5  rap- 
>f  our 
lefove 
lark, 
^eW" 
olph, 
d  for 
quan- 
utter, 
or  the 
and 
and 


? 


dig- 

wilh 


rope«,  by  cutiin;^  our  hlankets  into  stnnj^^, 
Aiiii  twistiuj;  them  t(  ;5ether;  while  those  who 
had  believed  our  atienipt  to  he  vain,  and  tool- 
Ish,  had  neither  provided  themselves  with 
provisions,  ropes,  or  materials  for  a  raft,  and 
were,  therefore,  unahlc  to  inipro\e  the  oppor- 
tunity wiiicli  now  presented  to  ellVxt  their  es- 
cape. 

J5ut  they  c(»uld  not  forhcar  collccling  in 
kuimU  com[):inies,  and  whiJ^poring  together,  to 
dcvir^e  plans  for  escape,  widch  raised  suspi- 
cions in  tlic  mind^  of  the- guard*  that  the  pris- 
(mere  were  entering  into  sotne  plot,  either  to 
make  their  escape,  or  to  raise  a  mutiny  in  the 
camp.  Under  these  appiidieu.sions,  which  / 
took  rise,  from  no  other  s<^urce,  hut  from  the 
conduct  of  those  who  had  been  made  privy  to 
our  undertaking,  and  would  neit!ier  assist  us 
in  the  work,  nor  prepare  themselves  to  make 
their  escape,  McUaniel  ordered  that  ^' if  any 
prisoner  should  be  found  attempting  to  make 
las  escape,  or  be  guilty  of  any  misconduct, 
that  night,  he  should  not  be  spared  alive.^' 

We  commenced  digging  on  the  twenty 
fourth  day  of  August,  A.  1).  1782,  and  hav- 
ing dug  a  passage  under  ground,  the  distance 
of  twenty  two  feet  and  a  half;  with  no  other 
tool  but  a  Jack-knife;  on  the  night  of  th© 
tenth  of  September  following,  after  waiting 
till  nine  o'clock,  when  the  roll  was  called,  and 
all  was  still,  we  tied  our  ropes  to  our  packs, 
uid  crawled  out,  drawing  our  packs  after  us. 


I 


i    9*4 


i  ,  I, 


.!<;' 


ii . 


-ill 


m\ 


-111 


lOi 


INDIAN 


•  I  ■■  I 


.,',  ■: 


I  was  preceded  by  six  of  my  fellow  pris- 
ouer.-3,  who,  after  crawling  through  the  hole, 
wliich  was  nearly  half  filled  witli  mud,  made  a 
path  in  the  grass,  as  they  crawled  down  the 
banks  of  tlie  liver,  which  resembled  that  of  a 
log  having  been  drawn  through  the  mud. 

The  moon  shone  bright.  The  sentinel  was 
walking  dii'ectly  across  the  hole,  just  as  I  was 
about  to  crawl  out,  when  he  cried  ort,  "  aWs 
icelL^^  Thought  I,  ^^  be  it  so,  continue  the 
cry  if  you  please,''  Mjf  head  at  this  time 
Mas  not  more  than  a  .yard  from  his  feet.  I 
crawled  on,  and  was  followed  by  about  twen- 
ty more,  who  were  our  fellow  labourers. 

As  we  had  been  allowed  to  go  out  of  our 
inclosure,  in  the  day  time,  to  hoe  our  corn, 
and  garden  roots,  and  get  our  wood,  attended 
by  ohe  of  the  guard,  we  had  improved  the  op- 
j)ortunity,  and  selected  some  logs  for  a  raft,  to 
which  we  could  go  with(mt  difficulty.  Clark, 
Belkuap,  Sprague  and  myself  new  separated 
ourselves  fiom  the  rest  of  the  prisoners,  and 
remained  together,  sharing  equally  in  all  the  suf- 
ferings through  which  wc  were  called  to  pass. 

We  took  a  large  scalping  knife  with  us,  and 
a  pocket  compass,  together  with  a  tinder-box 
and  fire-works.  W^e  rolled  a  large  log  into 
the  ri^  er,  on  the  upper  part  of  the  north  side 
of  the  Island,  on  e;.ch  side  cf  which,  we  pla- 
ced another,  then  putting  sticks  across  both 
ends  of  them,  underneath,  and  on  the  upper 
side,  opposite  each  other,  we  tied  all  of  them 


CAPTIVE* 


109 


J  pris- 
i  hole, 
nade  a 
\i\  fclie 
at  of  a 
1. 

lel  was 
;I  was 

"  alVs 
ue  the 
s  time 
eet.  I 
t  twen- 
s. 

of  our 
r  corn, 
Uended 
the  op- 
raft,  to 

Clark, 
)arated 

,    and 

he  suf- 


s 


0  pas«. 
IS,  and 
ler-hox 
g  into 
th  side 
vc  pla- 
is  both 
upper 
f  them 


together  with  wir  bla  nket-ropes ;  and  fasten- 
ing our  packs  thereon,  which  contained  our 
provision,  &c.  we  then  sat,  one  on  each  cor- 
ner, and  set  sail  down  the  rapids. 

Death  in  her  most*  fi-ightful  form,  now 
seemed  to  threaten  us,  and  the  foaming  bil- 
lows, pointed  us  to  a  watery  grave !  Guided 
only  by  the  current;  sometimes  floating  o- 
voi*  rocks,  sometimes  buried  in  the  water, 
with  little  hope  of  again  being  carried  out 
alive ;  we  passed  down  the  raging  stream, 
with  the  greatest  rapidity  imaginable ;  cling- 
ing to  our  logs  respectively ;  sensible  that,  un- 
der the  guidance  of  Divine  Providence,  our 
only  ground  of  hope  rested  in  our  adhesion  to 
the  raft. 

We  passed  down  the  river  about  uine 
miles,  when  we  were  enabled  to  reach  shore. 
We  landed  on  the  north  side  cf  the  river, 
about  two  hours  before  day,  with  not  a  .  dry 
thread  in  our  clothes,  chilled  with  the  cold, 
and  trembling  with  fear.  Our  bread  had  all 
washed  to  a  jelly  and  rendered  wholly  unfit 
to  eat.  None  of  our  pro^  ision  remained  fit  to 
carry  with  us,  except  a  little  parched  corn, 
which  was  in  a  small  wooden  bottle,  some 
salt-pork,  and  our  buttered  flour,  whir^.i  wo 
found  to  be  water-proof.  Our  compass>  wasj 
also  rendered  useless,  which  was  indeed  a 
great  misfortune  to  us,  as  the  want  of  it  pro- 
tracted our  journey  through  the  woods,  many 
days.     We  marched  up   the  river  till  day- 


il:  ., 


If 


1: 


Ml' 


I 


;;!:, 


,    y  .. 


108 


INDLVN 


V- 


HWJi 


,'  S'      1,. 


break,  when  we  discovered  that  we  were  nciir 
the  fort  oppo^^itc  the  Island.  We  then  turn- 
ed north  into  the  woods,  whicli  led  U9  into  a 
swamp,  wh.ere  we  encamped  under  vsaine  old 
tree-tops,  that  had  fillen  to^^ether,  about  one 
mile  from  the  fort,  which  formed  no  shelter 
from  rain,  but  merely  hid  us  from  our  expect- 
ed pursuers.  We  plainly  heard  the  report  of 
Uie  alarm  guns,  on  the  morning  of  the  11th  Gf 
September,  which  announced  to  us  tlie  discov- 
ery of  what  had  cost  us  great  pains,  and  evin- 
ced, to  all  who  should  beliold  the  place,  our 
love  of  liberty,  and  resolution  to  obtaiii  it. 

We  remained  under  these  tree-tops,  three 
days  and  two  nights ;  without  going  ten 
rods  from  the  place.  Having  nothing  to  eat  but 
salt  pork,  parched  corn,  and  our  buttered 
flour,  toii;et]ier  with  a  f^w  kernels  of  black 
pepper,  fjr  the  want  of  which  last,  Itliinkwe 
must  have  perished ;  as  it  rained  w  ith  a  mix- 
ture of  snow,  every  day  and  night,  sufficient- 
ly  to  keep  us  completely  wet  all  the  time. 

Having  been  so  harshly  treated  by  the  Brit- 
ish, and  knowing  that  ^^  confidence  in  an  un- 
faithful man  in  time  of  trouble,  is  like  a  bro- 
ben  tooth,  and  a  foot  out  of  joint  ;'^  we  resolv- 
ed to  make  ourselves  known  to  no  one.  And 
like  the  Ishmaelites  of  old,  while  we  had  rea- 
son to  suppose  that  every  man^s  hand  was 
against  us,  we  wore  determined  to  put  our 
own  hands  againt  every  nifln  who  should 
«ome  in  our  wsy. 


CAPTIVE. 


i07 


\  neiir 
turn- 
ato  a 
e  old 
it  one 
heltcr 
cpect- 
>ort  of 
1th  of 
liscov- 
l  evin- 
e,  our 
it. 

three 

g    ten 

at  bat 

ittered 

black 

nkwe 

mix- 

'lent- 


Brit- 

m  un- 
la  bro- 
[esolv- 

And 
Id  rea- 

was 
lut  our 
Ihoald 


Destitute  of  food  sufficient  to  supply  U9 
through  the  long  woods  we  were  to  pass^  to 
reach  our  homes  ;  we  were  determined  to  re- 
plenish our  stores,  before  we  crossed  the  river 
St.  Lawrence ;  as  there  were  but  few  settle- 
ments on  the  scuth  side  of  the  river,  in  that  part 
of  the  country.  We  were,  there fv)re,  under 
the  necessity  (^f  staying  about  there,  till  they 
had  done  searching  for  us. 

On  the  night  of  the  third  day  after  our  es- 
cape, we  ventured  to  take  up  our  march,  and 
travelled  till  \^  e  came  to  a  stream,  which  we 
supposed  emptied  into  the  river  St.  Lav/rcnce 
at  the  fort;  but  we  afterwards  found  it  to  le 
only  a  branch  of  that  stream.  I  waded  into 
it,  and  found  it  was  so  deep,  that  we  could 
not  ford  it.  1  therefore  returned,  and  wc  en- 
camped for  the  night.  Our  sufferings  this 
niglit  were  almoF^t  insupportable  ;  as  it  Mas  a 
cold  frosty  night,  and  we  were  wiujlly  expos- 
ed, having  nothing  about  us,  except  what  was 
completely  wet;  without  a  shelter,  and  desti- 
tute of  fire. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14tli,  benumbed,  and 
chilled  with  the  cold,  we  found  t  place  where 
we  forded  the  stream,  and  travelled  till  w© 
came  to  another,  and  by  mistaking  i\\^  former, 
we  supposed  this  to  empty  itself  into  the  river, 
above  the  fort.  We  followed  the  current  of  thia 
feiream,  till  about  dark,  ^hen  we  came  insight  of 
a  settlement.  After  waitins:  till  about  nine  o'- 
clock  iu  night,  we  ventured  to  approach  a  lit- 


S 


xm 


"1  K 


INDIAN 


ile  nearer,  when  to  our  utter  astonishment,  we 
heard  the  drum  beat,  which  gave  us  assurance, 
that  we  were  near  the  fort.  Finding  ourselves 
80  near,  we  concluded  to  cross  the  stream  at  the 
nearest  fording  ]ilace.  In  passing  off,  wc 
went  through  the  commanding  officer's  garden, 
and  I  pulled  up  a  hill  of  his  potatoes^  and 
carried  them  along  with  me. 

We  then  went  into  the  road,  and  followed 
up  the  river  St  Lawrence  about  four  miles. 
We  had  not  proceeded  far,  however,  before 
we  came  to  a  boat;  lying  at  anchor,  in  the  riv- 
er, near  the  shore.  I  waded  in  towards  it  till 
I  heard  men  in  it,  snoring  in  their  sleep,  when 
I  quickly  made  my  retreat.  We  then  went 
on,  till  we  came  to  the  house  of  a  Frenchman, 
as  we  supposed  by  his  speech,  who,  just  as 
we  came  up,  opened  the  door,  and  hailed  us. 
Turning  into  Iiis  lot,  we  went  to  his  barn, 
and  endeavored  to  find  some  creature  to  kill. 
We  found  one  cow.  As  we  were  approach- 
ing towards  her,  two  large  dogs  came  at  us 
with  great  rage,  and  barking  most  furiously, 
appeared  to  be  determined  to  bite  us.  The 
old  Frenchman  again  er.me  to  the  door,  and 
hailed  us.  Fearing  that  soldiers  might  be 
qi» altered  there,  we  retreated  as  fast  as  we 
could,  keeping  an  eye  upon  the  dogs,  and 
sw  inging  our  staves  at  them,  to  keep  them 
from  biting  us,  while  the  old  Frenchman, 
was  trying  to  set  them  on.  The  ground  was 
descending  as  we  retreated,    aad  while  we 


mt,  we 
arance, 
rselves 
A  at  the 
off,  wc 
garden, 
s,   and 

allowed 
•  miles. 

before 
the  riv- 
Is  it  till 
)y  when 
lu  went 
ichman, 
just  as 
iled  us. 
us  barn, 

to  kill, 
proach- 
at  us 
riously, 
The 
and 
be 

as  we 
gs,   and 

p  them 

ichman; 
Lttd  was 
hile  wc 


iOY 


1 


ght 


CAPTIVE. 


\ 


were  all  moving  together  very  fast,  having  our 
eyes  partially  turned  upon  the  dogs',  we  ran 
against  a  fence,  slightly  laid  up,  and  threw 
(lowii  many  longtlis,  wliich  made  such  a  rat- 
iling,  that  it  terrified  the  dogs^  and  imraedi- 
aiely  put  /Aem  upon  their  retreat;  as  much 
aliVigted  as  they  had  ])cen  outrageous. 

Trembling  for  oiu^  safety,  we  kept  in  the 
fields,  backs  of  the  street,  while  the  dogs  con- 
tinued their  l)arking,  as  if  determined  to  a- 
rouse  our  enemies  fmm  their  slumbers,  and 
cause  us  to  be  taken.  They  succeeded,  at 
least,  in  exciting  all  the  dogs  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, to  engage  in  the  general  alarm ;  and 
seemed  anxious  to  maintiiin  a  constant  echo, 
in  the  surrounding  atmo^nliere.  They  were 
busily  employed,  at  e"\  cry  house,  and  some- 
times in  great  earnest,  as  we  passed  along, 
the  distance  of  several  miles. 

At  length,  we  came  to  a  number  of  cattle, 
in  a  field,  not  far  from  the  road ;  among  widcii, 
we  found  a  two  year  i>ld  heifer,  very  tame, 
and  in  good  flesh. 

We  had  long  been  lurking  about,  waiting 
for  the  agitation  of  the  public  mind  to  abate; 
that  we  might  have  opportunity,  to  obtrdn 
some  provision,  before  we  entered  into  ^he 
wide  wilderness,  through  which  we  v/ere  ex- 
pecting to  pass  ;  and  as  the  favored  moment  bad 
now  arrived,  we  agreed,  that  Belknap  shonlJ  go 
in  search  of  a  boat,  to  convey  us  over  tiie 
Lake  St.  Francis,  near   which  we   found  the 

K 


'3. 


LM 


111 


ill  J 


11 


/^J 


110 


INDIAN 


if 


r*  I 


•t , 


U^f^ 


Pit 


;■*,; 


¥: 


lit?'    I'i 
:-at--is^'     " 


\-p.: 


cattle-;  that  Spragiic  should  stand  Mith  tjur 
scalpii^u,  knife,  to  defend  against  every  foe; 
while  Clirk  and  myself  should  kill  the  heif- 
er, and  procure  a  quantity  of  meat.  By  the 
help  of  a  little  salt,  I  soon  succeeded  in  catch- 
ing the  heifer ;  and  taking  her  by  the  horns 
and  p/^^se,  1  instantly  flung  her  down,  when 
Clark  cut  her  throat  with  a  large  jack-knife ; 
and  not  waiting  for  her  to  die,  or  even  spend- 
ing time  to  skin  her;  we  took  ofiFa  gammon, 
and  left  her  bleeding.  Belknap  had  now  re- 
turned, and  informed  us,  that  he  had  found  a 
boat,  to  which  we  immediately  resorted,  car- 
rying with  us  our  unskinned  beef,  the  booty 
we  had  desired  for  many  days ;  leaving  the 
owner  of  the  lieifer  to  seek  his  recompense, 
where  he  could  find  it;  willing,  however,  he 
should  share  with  us,  in  his  beef,  by  takin 
what  we  left. 

We  were  not  insensible,  tliat  if  he  was  a 
British  suljject,  we  had  abundantly  compen- 
sated his  lo'is,  to  liis  government,  by  our  omu 
starvation  ;  or  if  he  were  a  friend  to  the  unfor- 
tunate, he  could  not  lament  liis  loss,  since  he 
had  thus  far  contrilmted  to  feed  the  hungry, 
without  even  knowins:  what  his  ridit  hand 
did.  Nor,  indeed,  did  we  trouble  ourselves^ 
while  we  ruminated  upon  the  affair,  ccncern- 
ning  what  might  be  the  cogitations  of  theow^i- 
cr,  since  v/e  had  obtained  the  meat;  and 
thus  answered  our  own  purpos?.. 


CAPTIVE. 


3k. 


Hi 


f  foe; 
hcif- 
y  the 
cai-ch- 
horris 
when 
knife ; 
5pencl- 
nmou, 
r>\v  re- . 
mnd  a 
Ij  car- 
booty 
ig  the 
peiisc, 
er,  he 
takinj 

was  a 
mpen- 
r  own 
unfov- 
ice  he 
uigry. 
hand 
selves^ 
ncern- 
e  0W41- 


Haying  entered  the  boat,  with  all  onr  bag- 
gage ;  tlie  moon  sliining  bright ;  we  set  out 
upon  the  Lake,  steering  for  the  soutk  shore. 
We  had  advanced  but  littk>.  distance,  when  a 
breezcj  arose  from  the  north- west,  and  drifted 
US'  ahead  with  great  violence;  every  wav« 
dashing  the  water  into  our  boat. 

It  now  became  necessary  that  two  of  us 
should  dip  the  water  from  the  boat  witli  our 
hats,  as  fast  as  possible;  while  the  oUier  two, 
rowed  for  the  shore  with  the  greiiiest  exertion. 
The  wind  increased.  The  boat  wis  fast  filling, 
in  spite  of  all  we  could  do.  Every  w  ave,  to 
human  view,  brought  us  by  rapid  strides  to 
the  arms  of  death,  and  presented  to  us  a  Ava- 
tery  grave.  But,  through  the  wonderful  good- 
ness of  the  Great  Preserver  of  men,  we  suc- 
ceeded in  landing,  just  as  our  boat  had  filled 
with  water.  Having  fastened  it  to  the  shore, 
we  went  into  the  woods,  struck  up  a  fire, 
skinned  our  beef,  and  cut  it  into  thin  slices, 
which  we  partially  roasted  on  slicks  by  the 
fire,  and  then  lay  down  to  sleep.  This  was 
the  first  time  we  had  been  to  any  fire,  after  we 
left  Prison  Island.  We  had  lain  secreted  in 
bushes,  and  old  tree-tops ;  wandered  in  the 
darkness  of  the  night,  exposed  to  the  inclem- 
ency of  the  weather ;  forded  streams  of  \  a- 
ter  up  to  our  necks;  constantly,  and  complete- 
ly wet ;  hungry,  and  chilled  with  cold ;  filled 
with  fear  and  anxiety  foi?  our  safety,  du- 
jinj  the  space   of    four  days,  and  five  niglil», 


f 


(13 


IND1A.M 


I. 


K 


including  the  uiglit  in  wliicli  W€  made  our  es- 
cape. 

Destimction  and  misery,  ofien  appeareil  in 
our  way.  Death  frequently  stared  us  in  tlic 
face,  tlu'catening  to  make  us  his  prey,  but 
seemed  to  be  held  from  falling  upon  us,  by 
the  finger  of  God. 

On  the  morning  of  the  15th  day  of  Sep- 
tember, (the  5th  after  ;e  escaped;)  suppo- 
sing we  had  landed  upon  an  Island,  we  began 
to  seek  how  %  c  should  £;et  off,  without  beins: 
discovered  By  the  inhabitants  on  the  northern 
shores  of  the  Lake,  or  by  tliose  who  might 
happen  to  be  upon  the  waters.  Happily,  we 
found,  by  travelling  into  the  woods,  that  we 
were  upon  a  peninsula,  joined  to  the  main 
land,  by  an  isthmus,  not  more  tiian  eight  or 
ten  feet  vide.  This  was  a  circumstance, 
{^rr^atly  in  our  favor ;  as  we  should  otherwise 
biiv»3  been  under  the  necessity  of  exposing 
ourselves  to  the  view  of  our  enemies  ;  or  wait- 
eu  fir  the  night  to  cover  our  escape. 

We  now  set  out,  directing  our  course  near- 
ly south-east,  for  the  American  fort,  at  Pitts- 
ford,  a  town  situated  on  Otter  Creek,  in  the 
western  part  of  the  State  of  Vermont. 

Our  companion,  Mr.  Clark,  had  been  much 
4iccustomed  to  traveling  in  the  woods ;  having 
been  engaged  in  the  business  of  surveying,  in 
the  w  estern  part  of  the  United  States,  at  the 
time  he  w  as  taken  by  the  Lulians.  We  there- 
fore, chose  him  to  be  our  leader  througili  the 


ireil  in 
in  the 

r,  but 
us,  by 

f  Sep. 
suppo- 
5  began 

belns; 
)rthern 

might 
ily,  we 
!iat  we 
5  main 
ight  or 
stance, 
erwiso 
posing 
V  wait- 

5  near- 
Pitts- 
in  the 

1  rauchi 

laving 

|ing,  in 

at  the 

there- 

gli  th€r 


^w^ 


CAPTIVE. 


li» 


wilderness,  anil  our  pilot  to  a  more  favored 
country. 

We  travelled  all  the  first  day,  over  low, 
marshy  land,  timbered  with  cedar, ;  but  wer* 
unable  to  find  any  water  to  drink,  either  in 
running  brooks,  or  by  digging;  for  the  wknt 
of  wliich  we  suffered  much,  being  thirsty,  as 
well  as  hungry,  and  greatly  fatigued.  Wislring 
to  escape  the  vigilance  of  our  expected  pur- 
suers, we  travelled  with  great  speed ;  which, 
together  with  our  living  on  flesh  alone,  doubt- 
less occasioned  a  f^ir  greater  degi'ee  of  thirst, 
than  we  should  have  felt,  bad  we  been  sup- 
plied with  bread.  Tiie  next  day,  we  found 
water  in  great  plenty.  We  crossed  many 
streams  of  considerable  size ;  some  by  fording, 
although  of  such  depth  as  to  reach  to  our 
shoulders  ;  others  we  crossed  by  -making  a 
small  raft,  sufficient  to  bear  one  of  us,  with 
our  baggage ;  while  the  other  three  stripped^ 
and,  hanging  by  one  hand  to  the  raft,  swam 
by  her  side. 

After  wandering  in  the  wilderness,  during 
the  space  of  tQn  days ;  sometimes  progressing 
on  our  journey ;  sometimes  lounging  iii  sus- 
pense, doubting  which  course  to  ti|.ke,  and 
waiting  ftn*  the  clouds  to  be  dispelled,  that  the 
J5un  might  appear  to  enlighten  our  path,  and 
guide  our  way;  we  arrived  at  Lake  Chauji- 
plain^  with  our  clothes  nearly  torn  from  our 
bodies ;  emaciated  with  hunger,  sind  fatigued 
vvith  the  daily  toil,    and  long  deprivation  <rff 


m 


I 


!lf!l 


: 


114i 


iXDlAN 


the  comforts  of  civilized  life.  During  tlicsc 
ten  days,  \vc  saw  no  other  human  being;  nor 
heard  his*  voice,  beheld  his  foot-steps,  or 
the  works  of  his  hand.  We  lived  almost  whol- 
ly on  flesh,  like  the  carniverous  race^  and  lika 
them  reposed  upon  the  ground ;  equally  fear- 
ing the  face  of  man;  suspicious  of  his  design^, 
and  dreading  his  approach,  as  we  did  the  in- 
strument of  death. 

While  we  one  day,  lay  encamped  by  the 
fire,  waiting  for  the  appearance  of  the  sun, 
we  Avere  aroused  from  our  sleep,  by  the  sup- 
posed report  of  a  musket.  Ignorant  of  the 
source  whence  it  came,  and  fearing  to  make 
immediate  fiiglit,  lest  we  should  flee  into  the 
hands  of  our  enemies,  we  prepared  ourselves 
to  march,  and  were  endeavoring  to  espy  the 
foe,  when  a  siiailar  nois^e,  proceeding  from 
the  ])ursiing  cf  a  stone,  heated  by  the  lire,  re- 
lieved our  minds  from  fear,  and  filled  our  bo- 
som-} wUh  joy,  at  the  happy  disappointment 
cf  expected  danger. 

Soon  after  we  arrived  at  Lake  Champlaiu, 
we  found  a  part  of  an  old  flat-bottom  boat, 
which  we  fitted  up  for  the  purpose  of  convey- 
ing us  acrcfis  the  Lake,  by  lashing  a  log  on 
each  side,  with  bark  and  withes. 

At  about  sunset  we  went  aboard,  and  set 
sail  to  cross  the  Lake.  We  had  proceeded 
nearly  half  way  across,  when  the  Avind  arose 
ap^inst  us,  and  baffled  all  our  exertions  to 
proceed  ftirther.      After  labouring  till  about 


CAPTIVK. 


115 


tllCSiJ 

;  nor 
i^  or 
vhol- 
I  lika 
fear- 

0  iii- 

j  the 
sun, 
sup- 
f  the 
make 
0  the 
selves 


"f 


tlie 
from 
•e,  re- 
ir  bo- 
tmcnt 

plain, 

boat; 

nvey- 

og  on 

(I  set 

eedert 

arose 

)ns  to 

about 


ni'hlui'^bl  vvithont  success,  ;iii<l  faariiiu;  wc 
slioiilil  be  taken  by  the  British,  if  we  remain- 
ed on  the  water  till  lig^it,  we  concbuled  to  row 
back  to  the  shore  we  left,  and  rellnqaish  the 
idea  of  crossing  the  Lake  that  night.  Wc 
bad  continued  upon  the  water,  till  a  tempest 
arose,  and  the  wind  blew  from  various  direc- 
tions, shifling  its  course  every  few  minutes  ; 
and  our  strength  had  become  silmost  exhaust- 
ed, being  faint  for  M^ant  of  food,  insomuch 
that  we  could  bardly  move.  We  laboured 
V  itli  diligence,  and  with  ail  our  might,  till 
day-break,  having  nothing  to  use  for  oars  ex- 
cept such  sticks  as  we  found  in  the  woods,  and 
prepared  for  the  purpose,  with  a  jack-knife. 
We  were  now  enabled  to  reacb  the  same  shore 
from  which  we  started,  though  several  miles 
farther  nortli.  Our  clothes  were  completely 
wet,  and  our  strength  so  far  gone,  that  neither 
of  us  could  scarcely  go. 

In  this  wretched  state,  stupified  and  chilled 
with  the  cold  ;  so  faint  and  tired  that  we  could 
hardly  move,  Ave  crept  a  few  rods  into  the 
woods ;  built  a  fire,  and  laid  down  upon  the 
ground. 

I  never  suffered  so  much  fatigue,  in  the  name 
space  of  time,  in  my  life,  a*  I  did  this  night ;  nor 
woifld  I  have  believed  I  could  endure  as  much^ 
with  so.little  strength,  without  perishing.  Lan- 
guage is  too  feeble  to  express,  nor  can  ima* 
gination  conceive  the  sufferings  we  utiderwent» 


If,. 

Ill-::) 


'III' 


'-V 


INDIAN 


We  had  now  hni  little  provision  loft,  and 
Avere  com|M»ll(Ml  to  curtail  our  lonniT  allow- 
ance, so  that  wc  slioulil  he  euahled  to  siihsi«»t, 
and  continue  our  journey,  till  wc  could  reach 
the  desired  country. 

Having  rested  from  the  wearisome  and 
fruitless  labors  of  thcni;;ht,  till  nearly  sun-set 
the  next  day,  we  reiolvcd  to  travel  on  the 
west  side  of  the  Lake,  till  we  should  come  (o 
a  narrow  place,  where  we  could  m  ell  hope  for 
success  in  an  attempt  to  cross.  We  resumed 
our  march  and  travelled  a  few  miles  tlhit  night, 
then  camped  down,  and  waited  for  the  mora- 
ing. 

Th«»  next  day,  we  came  to  the  river  Sara- 
nac,  which  empties  into  Lake  Champlain,  at 
a  place,  now  called  Plattsburgh,  in  the  State 
of  New-York.  We  heard  the  noise  of  the 
British,  engaged  in  chopping,  a  fcw  rods  up 
the  liver,  while  we  crossed  it  between  them 
and  the  Lake,  not  far  from  its  mouth. 

After  we  crossed  the  river,  we  travel- 
led a  small  distance,  and  encamped  for  the 
night,  in  a  valley^  Avhich  was  in  the  form  of  a 
bason.  AVe  followed  up  the  Lake,  npon  the 
w  estern  shore,  crossed  Duck  Creek,  River-au- 
Sable,  Salmon  River,  and  (xilliland^s  Creek  ; 
when  we  came  to  a  place,  called  Split  Bock, 
where  the  Lake  is  narrow,  which  afforded  u«f 
a  prospect  of  succeeding  if  we  attempted  to 
.  cross.  We  then  w  ent  to  work  to  build  a  raft, 
and  while  engaged;  a  little  before  sun- set,  e$- 


lAPTlVE. 


iir 


ft,    and 
allow - 

il  read  I 

le  and 
sun- sot 
on  the 
uome  (u 
liopc  for 
•esuined 
it  night, 
morn- 

r  Sara- 
ilain,  at 
le  State 

of  tlie 
rods  up 

n  them 

travel- 
for  the 
rm  of  a 
pon  tlie 
ver-au- 
Crcelc  ; 
Bock, 
rded  us 
pted  to 
L  a  raft^ 
set,  es- 


piei!  a  British  armed  vessel,  making  toward 
us  f.om  the  south.  We  went  into  the  busheiiy 
and  lay  secreted  fiom  their  view,  though  they 
were  si)  visible  to  us,  that  we  could  see  their 
red  coats  and  even  count  the  buttons  upon 
them,  v/hile  they  saild  around  at  a  smaU  di«- 
tance  from  us,  apparently  f  )r  amuHement,  and 
then  returned  as^ain  to  the  fiouth,  out  of  our 
fe;ii;ht,  without  discovering  us* 

We  tlien  went  to  work,  completed  our  raft, 
ftt  dirk,  set  sail  acro-is  the  L?\ke ;  and  safel j 
landed  in  a  few  hours  at  a  place  now  called 
Charlotte,  in  the  State  cf  Vermont.  Wo 
were,  however,  ignorant,  at  that  time,  both 
of  the  name  of  the  place,  and  of  its  local  sit- 
uation. Being  yet  in  a  strange  wilderness,  wo 
knew  not  which  way  to  direct  our  course  to 
reach  inhabitants.  Indeed,  all  that  prompted 
us  to  go  forward,  was  the  information  we  had  re- 
ceived, that  there  wxre  settlements  near  some 
part  of  this  Lake.  But  we  were  wholly  ig- 
norant, what  way  to  take,  that  sliould  enable  us 
to  find  them.  Supposing  ourselves  to  be  between 
the  mouth  of  Onion  River  and  Otter  ('reek,  we 
concluded  to  steer  a  south  east  direction,  which 
we  supposed  would  bring  us  to  Pittsford  fjvt. 
We  travelled  into  the  woods  a  few  rods,  and 
lay  down  for  the  night.  In  the  morning  w«e 
resumed  our  march,  and  had  not  gone  far,  be- 
fore we  came  to  an  old  log  house,  which  had 
long  been  abandoned,  and  by  the  long  contin- 
uance of  the  war,  had  become  greatly  decajxdj^ 


W'\ 


J 


[if 

T 

i 
I'f:, 


i  if  ■iS;' w 

a'l'i 


■Ja 


INIBIAN 


We,  however,  foand  a  few  beans,  which 
jbad  probably  been  there  a  number  of  years, 
iind  were  covered  with  moulck  As  our  pro- 
vision was  mostly  gone,  and  we  were  extremely 
hungry,  we  took,  and  parched  them  as  we 
would  corn  by  the  fire,  which  gave  some  rel- 
ish to  th«  twigs,  roots  and  berries,  that  had 
already,  for  «ome  days,  composed  our  princi*- 
pal  food. 

Our  clothes  t\  3re  almost  torn  from  our  raaft- 
gled  bodies,  by  the  bushes,  logs,  and  trees  j 
and  the  blood  that  gushed  from  our  naked, 
and  worn  out  feet,  witnessed,  in  every  track 
we  made,  the  pains  we  suflfered. 

Parts  of  our  stockings  still  remained  about 
our  feet ;  and  having  a  needle,  but  no  thread 
with  us,  we  ravelled  off  the  tops  of  them  and 
sewed  our  tattered  rags  together  as  much  as 
possible,  to  defend  our  bodies  from  the  inclem- 
ency of  tlie  weathet. 

Oar  daUy  allowance  of  the  f  jod  we  brought 
with  us  from  Prison  Island,  was  now  reduced 
to  about  an  inch  square  of  salt  pork,  and  as 
Wicli  of  our  buttered  flour,  as  we  could  twice 
put  upon  the  point  of  a  large  jack-knife.  We 
had  eaten  all  our  beef  and  parched  corn. 

We  dug  roots,  of  various  kinds,  and  eat 
them,  together  with  birch  and  other  twigs. 
Spikenard  roots,  which  we  roasted  by  the  fii*e, 
comprised  the  greatest  part  of  our  subsistance. 
We  found  several  small  frogs,  which  we  kill- 
ed and  eat,  with  great  delight.     But  we  could 


CAPTIVE. 


iig 


rhicM 
cars, 
pro- 
jmcly 
A  we 
i  rel- 
t  had 

maR- 
trees ; 
laked, 

track 

about 
thread 
ta  and 
ich  as 

clem- 

•ought 
,duccd 
Lud  as 
twice 
We 

id  eat 
twigs. 
itt  fire, 
starAce. 

[e  kill- 
cofuU 


find  only  a  fjw  cf  them,  though  wc  searched 
diligently.  Their  meat  tasted  exceedingly 
sweet  and  delicious*  Wc  also  found  meaufi 
to  catch  several  small  fish,  from  a  little  rivu- 
let, which  we  crossed;  but  coidd  not  obtain 
more  than  two  or  three,  although  we  spent 
much  time,  and  used  every  exertion  in  ©ur 
power. 

Some  time  after  we  had  dressed  our  fish, 
and  had  advanced  considerable  distance,  wc 
espied  a  bear  upon  a  tree,  a  few  ^^4s  ahead 
of  us.  We  hastened  to  the  foot  of  the  tree 
in  view  of  killing  her  as  she  descended,  by 
stabbing  her  with  our  large  scalping  knife. 
But  on  examination,  we  found  the  knife  was 
hft^  at  the  place  of  dressing  the  fi^h,  which 
fiustrated  eur  plan,  and  Idighted  our  hopes  of 
obtaining  any  meat. 

Disappointment  was  now  added  to  hunger 
and  distress,  and  oui*  faint,  and  wearied  bod- 
ies, \^'ere  hardly  able  to  support  the  dreadful 
^vei«;ht  <  f  sorroAV,  which  hung  over  our  minds. 

We,  hoM'ev^r,  ( ontinucd  to  keep  a  south 
east  course,  till  we  reached  the  top  of  the 
mountains,  lying  between  Onion  River,  and 
Otter  Creek ;  wlien,  looking  back,  we  could 
seethe  Lake,  in  fair  view.  Ileins:  so  faint 
I  for  want  of  food,  that  we  could  hardly  step  ; 
m\d  scein";  nj  prospect  of  obtaining  any,  it 
seemed  as  if  death  must  be.  our  inevitable  fate. 
I  Wc  had  travelled  seven  or  eight  days,  and 
jStbsisted  the  whole   time^  mostly  upon  thg 


fl 


m 


n  ■•■  / 


<\m 


I 


* 


M 


1«0 


INDIAN 


m 


^^ 


IP:  I 


r  11 


spontaiiPon.q  proiluctions  of  the  country.  Tli« 
season  fur  berries  was  nearly  gone,  thoui^h 
we  M ere  able  to  find  some. 

Our  natures  v^ccmed  to  waste  away ;  and 
leave  n  Hhini;  but  fleatli,  to  stare  us  in  the 
face.  Winter  was  fist  approacliini:,  wliile  Ave 
were  almost  naked;,  destitute,  and  forlorn.  O 
the  wrckhed  condition  of  those  whose  lot  it  is 
to  be  cast  into  the  wilderness,  and  left  to  wan- 
der upon  the  dark  mouritains  cf  despair !  I 
couhl  feelinscly  adopt  the  language  of  Job,  and 
say  "  Terrors  are  turned  upoa  me ;  they 
pursue  my  soul  as  the  wind ;  and  my  welfare 
passeth  away  as  as  a  cloud.  When  I  looked 
for  g(5od,  then  evil  came  unto  me ;  and  when 
1  waited  for  light,  then  came  darkness.  I  am 
a  hrother  to  draggons,  and  a  companion  to 
ow  Is  5  for  I  have  eaten  ashes  like  bread,  and 
mingled  my  drink  with  weeping.^' 

Had.  we  seen  any  prospect  of  soon  finding 
the  house  of  a  friend,  or  of  obtaining  provis- 
ion, in  any  other  way,  before  we  should  ar- 
rive among  inhabitants,  we  could  not  have 
denied  ourselves,  at  once  to  eat  the  little  pro- 
vision we  had  in  our  packs,  while  we  sufler- 
ed  so  much  by  hunger  on  our  way. 

The  barren  mountains,  and  rocky  cliffs  ^f 
Uristol,  llipton  and  Hancock;  the  dismal 
plain  (,f  Chataugua,  and  the  waters  of  Cham« 
plain,  witnessed  the  cries  of  our  sufferings; 
w hile  our  step»  tiaced  g^in  blood  the  distress 
we  endured. 


'I 


I  i 


CAPTIVE. 


Itl 


Tb« 


;    and 
in   the 
die  Ave 
•n.     O 
ot  it  is 
3  wan- 
air  !    I 
^b^  and 
;    they 
kvelfare 
looked 
L  wli^n 
I  am 
rtion  to 
id,  and 

finding 
proyis- 
iilA  ar- 
liave 
tie  pro- 
sufl'er- 


:liffs  (if 
dismal 
Cham- 

mngs ; 

distress 


We  wandered  from  mountain  to  mountain, 
und  from  valley  to  valley,  keeping  at  a  dis- 
tance from  the  Lake,  lest  we  should  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  British,  who  had  command  of 
the  Lake  at  that  time.  Sorrow,  hunger,  and 
bitterness  of  soul,  Avere  our  constant  attend- 
ants through  the  day ;  and  the  approach  of 
the  night  only  increased  our  miseries,  and 
multiplied  our  sighs  and  groanings ! 

Though  we  slept,  ife  was  fur  trouble ;  and 
if  we  continued  to  roam  the  wilderness,  wc 
found  no  comfort,  and  our  strength  failed.  If 
we  slumbered,  it  was  upon  the  brink  of  the 
grave,  and  it  weuld  not  feed  us.  While  our 
hunger  increased,  our  hopes  of  relief  grew 
dim. 

Seeing  no  prospect  of  ever  fintling  the  hab- 
itations of  friends,  our  companions,  Clark  and 
Spraguc,  like  the  lepers  of  old,  "  said  one  to 
another,  Why  sit  we  here  until  we  die  V^  If 
we  say  we  will  pursue  our  journey,  "  we  shall 
die,  and  if  we  sit  still  here,  we  die  also.^^ 
They  therefore  resolved  to  return  to  the  I  ke, 
if  they  could  get  there,  and  deliver  theni- 
selves  up  into  the  hands  of  the  British, 

*They  were  both  possessed  of  true  couiS^^ 
and  a  noble,  generous  spirit.  But  they  %ere 
wholly  ignorant  of  the  country,  east  o?|||^jfe» 
Champlain,  and  consequently  had  less  ttt:i|iir: 
courage  them,  than  Belknap  and  myself.  *W)$^ 
"were  unwilling,*^  said  they,  *^  that  we  sliould 
either    return,  or  remain  with  them,  if  we 


■\% 


I 


■i! 


133 


INDIAN 


ti  ' 


I. , 
'■>  * 


■'1 
f  ■ 


J.f 


"      K.« 


'      1 

1 


iff  1'  I 


could  ever  reach  inliabitants.  But  to  go  for- 
ward, was  apparent  death,  even  if  inhab- 
itants might  be  found  by  two  or  tliree  day't 
travel ;  as  we  are  so  weak  we  can  hardly  go, 
and  still  groM  ing  weaker.'^  They  requested 
us  to  leave  them  to  be  food  for  wild  beasts,  or 
a  prey  to  an  exasperated  foe.  But  the  ten- 
der feelings  of  human  sensibility  forbid  us  to 
leave  them ;  and  Belknap  and  myself,  per- 
suaded them  to  persevere,  and  remain  with  u^ 
to  the  end,  by  dealing  out  to  tLem,  an  extra  al- 
lowance of  provision,  on  condition  that  I 
should  take  the  lead,  and  be  iheir  pilot,  to 
which  I  consented. 

It  being  nearly  night  we  encamped  till  morn- 
ing ;  when  we  concluded  to  change  our  course, 
and  steer  nearly  a  south  southwesterly  direc- 
tion. Yv^c  travelled  on  moderately,  feaiful  of 
the  event,  till  about  noon,  wJien^  being  some 
rods  forward  of  my  companions,  I  was  so  for- 
tunate as  to  come  to  a  ro?id.  Of  this  1  noafied  my 
languishing  companions,  famishing  Vviih  hun- 
ger, and  groani?ig  under  the  weight  of  their 
wretchedness,  Avhieli  occasioned  tmnsports  of 
joy,  gladdened  their  hearts,  and  invigorated 
their  bodies  ;  yea  it  "  shed  happiness  around 
us,  and  banislied  miserv  before  us.''  For  we 
could  sav*  Vr  1th  David,  that  we  had  "  Avander- 
ed  in  the  v,  ihlerness,  in  a  solitary  way  5  and 
foui^d  no  city  to  dwell  in.  Hungry  and  thirsty 
our  souls  fainted  within  us.  Then  we  cried 
u«k>  the  Lord,  in  our  trouble,  aud  he  deliver- 


'J 


for- 
iliab- 

y  go, 

lested 
its,  or 
i  ten- 
US  to 
per- 
ith  u^ 
:ra  al- 
Imt  I 
ot,  to 


morn- 
ourscj 
(lirec- 
ful  of 

sonic 
o  for- 
}d  my 
{  liun- 

tlicir 
Dris  of 

vated 
round 
or  we 
mder- 
and 
hirsty 

cried 
liver- 


CAPTITE. 


1^3 


ed  us  out  of  our  distresses,  and  he  led  us  forth 
by  the  right  way  that  we  might  go  to  a  city  of 
habitation.'^ 

Animated  with  the  prospect  of  soon  finding 
inhabitants,  we  travelled  on  the  road  with  joy 
Jind  delight.  Our  hopes  of  again  seeing  our 
friends,  became  briglitened,  and  our  expecta- 
tions greatly  strengthened  onr  weak  and  trem- 
bling limbs.  We  soon  came  in  sight  of  au 
old  horse,  and  an  old  mare  with  a  sucking 
colt  by  her  side.  As  they  were  in  a  valley, 
some  distance  from  the  road,  we  concluded 
not  to  go  after  them,  hoping  soon  to  find  in- 
habitants, where  we  shouhl  be  enabled  also  to 
find  friends,  who  would  lend  the  hand  of  charity. 
We  therefore  travelled  on,  and  soon  came  to 
a  stream,  but  could  not  determine  whether  it 
was  Otter  Creek,  or  only  a  branch  pf  it.  If. 
it  were  a  branch,  wa  knew  w^e  ought  to  fol- 
low the  currentp  till  we  came  to  the  Creek. 
But  to  follow  the  current  of  the  Creek  itself, 
w  ould  lead  tis  directly  to  the  Lake,  where  w# 
ftliould  be  exposed  to  the  British. 

We  however,  thought  it  most  prudent  to 
follow  down  the  stream,  soon  came  to  its  mouth 
and  still  were  left  in  doubt,  whether  the 
etream,  into  which  the  first  we  discovered, 
emptied  itself,  was  Otter  Creek,  or  some 
ether  branch. 

As  it  began  to  draw  near  sun- set,  and  see- 
ing no  prospect  of  finding  inhabitants  that 
iiisht  3   we   resolved  to   return  to  the  place 


i 


It 


If* ' 


lS4f 


INDIAN 


lh'[ 


I 


'■(^  1 


m^' 


Ml 


/Mr 

If  fe 

J*  »'  I,    ,  i 

ill 


where  we  came  lo  the  first  stream :  bavins;  there 
lonnd  the  walls  of  an  old  log  house.  Clark 
and  niyselfj  went  and  procured  the  horses  and 
colt;  while  l^cll^nap  and  Spragiie  struck  up 
a  fire,  and  built  a  camp. 

Having  returned  with  tlie  horse«;  and  confin* 
ed  them  in  the  old  log  house,  we  killed  and 
dressed  the  colt ;  and  roaisted  some  of  the  meat, 
upon  sticks  by  the  fire,  and  eat  it,  and  surely 
^^it  was  pleasant  to  the  taste. ^^  Indeed  I 
never  aic  any  meat  of  so  delicious  a  flavor,  al- 
though without  bread,  salt,*  or  sauce,  of  any 
kind. 

The  next  morning  we  started  with  our  old 
horse,  and  coltless  mare,  and  travelled  till  af- 
ter the  middle  of  the  day,  when  we  came  to 
tho  place  we  passed  about  noon,  the  day  prcr 
cecding.  We  were  confident  it  was  the  sam® 
place,  by  finding  some  spikenard  roots,  which 
we  had  thrown  away  soon  after  we  fjuad  tha 
road. 

Being  lost,  and  knowing  not  whether  to 
turn  to  the  right  hand,  or  to  tire  left ;  having 
obtained  a  new  supply  of  meat,  by  which  we 
had  been  much  refreshed ;  and  as  the  sun  had 
been  invisible  to  us  for  several  days,  we  con- 
cluded to  tarry  there  through  the  day,  and  en- 
camp for  the  night ;  hoping  the  sun  would  rise 

♦Webrons;ht  a  small  quantity  «f  salt  from  Prison 
Island,  bur  lost  the  priacipal  ptwt  of  it,  in  pa'sing; 
down  the  rapids.  The  remaiMder,  we  gave  to  the  heif- 
er we  killed;  and  took  her  gaaimoo  in  exthange. 


I 


CAPTIVE. 


iU 


,  al- 
any 


to 


heif" 


©Icfir  thft  next  morning,  wliicli  would  enable 
Hs  tho  better  to  determine  what  course  to  take. 

While  we  Avere  patrolini^  about  the  fields^ 
which  appeared  to  liave  been  unoccupied,  and 
but  partially  cultivated  during  the  long  war  j 
Ave  found  a  large  yard  of  turnipSo 

We  then  prepared  our  camp,  built  a  fire, 
and  haviug  procured  some  turnips,  kept  con* 
tinually  roasting  tbem  successively,  during  tli« 
night;  first  sleeping  a  little,  and  then  eatiui;;; 
thus  alternately  refreshing  ourselves  by  sleep, 
and  eating  colt-meat  with  roasted  turnips,  till 
the  approach  of  day.  As  we  had  long  lived 
upon  the  spontaneous  growth  of  the  wilder- 
ness, and  had  not  only  been  almost  entirely 
destitute  of  bread  and  meat ;  but  wholly  de- 
prived •f  every  cultivated  vegitable ;  we  wera 
conscious  that  it  would  be  injurious,  and  even 
dangerous,  to  eat  immediately  all  we  might 
crave  for  the  night. 

We  therefore  chose  to  satiate  our  hunger  ia 
a  measure,  by  piecemeals,  while  we  truly 
feasted  upon  that  kind  of  fare,  which  was  un- 
doubtedly, of  all  kinds  of  food,  the  best  a- 
dap  ted  to  our  wretched  condition,  and  craving 
appetites.  In  the  morning,  the  sky  Avas  clear, 
and  the  sun  rose  to  every  one  of  us,  directly 
in  the  west.  We  now  discovered  the  cause  of 
becoming  lost;  and  feeling  much  refreshed 
and  strengthened,  we  took  our  horses,  and  di- 
rected our  coarse  according  to  the  sun,  diamet- 
rically against  oar  own  ideas  of  the  true  point  cf 

L  2 


ISfi 


INDIAN 


m 


61' 


t!. 


l^.-v:  1i 


compasia.  \Vc  had  not  procsedeil  Tir,  wlieu  we 
came  to  three  other  liorncs,  which  Me  took, 
leaviui^  tlic  old  mare  for  the  benefit  of  the  own- 
er. 

After  travelling  till  about  noon^  we  came  to 
a  man,  choppin!;  in  the  woodn.  Seeing  us  all 
on  horse  back,  with  bark  bridles,  and  no  sad- 
dles ;  having  on  coats  made  of  Indian  blank- 
ets, which  were  all  in  rags ;  with  beards  aji 
inch  long,  and  each  one  of  us  armed  with  a 
cudgel ;  the  trembling  wood-cutter,  stood  in 
dreadful  awe,  with  his  axe  raised  above  his 
•boulders;  dreading  our  approach,  but  fear- 
ing to  try  his  success  in  an  attempt  to  escape  ; 
wliile  we  drew  near,  rejoicing  that  we  .had 
©nee  more  arrived  where  we  could  behold  th« 
f.ice  of  one  wliose  hand  should  not  be  against 
us  ;  and  against  whom  we  w  ere  not  compelled, 
for  our  safety   to  put  our  own  hands. 

We  were  not  much  surprised,  though  very 
sorry  to  find  our  fi  lend  so  grievously  alarmed ; 
while  we  only  desired  his  friendship.  W« 
informed  him  of  our  wretched  condition ;  and 
besought  him  to  be  our  fiiend,  with  tears  of 
joy  and  tenderness,  trickling  down  our  ema- 
ciated c' c»eks.  I  iriding  we  were  not  his  ene- 
mles,  but  tlie  su]gects  ef  his  pity  and  tender 
compassion,  bursting  into  tears  of  sympathy, 
fit  the  short  relation  we  £;ave  him  of  our  si;f- 
ferings ;  he  invited  us  to  go  with  him  and  he 
w  ould  load  us  to  Pittsford  fort,  which  was  on- 
ly about  one  mile  distiiiit  5    where  we  should 


t 


CAPTIVE. 


12T 


i^u  we 

took, 

1  ovvu- 

LiTie  to 
us  all 
[>  sad- 
alank- 
ds  an 
vith  a 
3od  in 
vc  his 
;  fear- 
scape  ; 
e  .had 
[)ld  the 
igainst 
pelled, 

1  very 
irined ; 
W« 

i;  and 

iars  of 

r  ema- 

is  eiie- 

iendtr 

pathy, 

iir  si;f- 

iiid  he 

vas  on- 

sliauld 


te  made  welcome  to  every  thing  necessary  foi* 
our  comfort. 

We  soon  ariivcd  at  the  fort.  It  was  now 
al)oiit  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  We  w(»rc 
received  with  the  greatest  marks  of  sympathy 
and  coramisseration ;  and  treated  with  every 
respect  due  to  our  m  retchedness  and  want. 
And  though  justice  demands,  that  I  should 
acknowledge  the  generous  display  of  philan- 
thropic zeal,  as  well  as  selfish  curiosity,  com- 
mon on  such  occasions ;  yet  I  could  not  f jr- 
bear  to  notice,  with  pain,  that  cold  indiflcr- 
ence  for  the  miseries  of  others,  commonly  oh- 
servable  in  those  who  have  long  been  famil- 
iar with  scenes  of  wretchedness  and  wo  ; 
which  was  manifested  by  some,  and  especially 
by  the  commander  of  the  fort,  on  our  arrival 
at  that  place. 

Not  long  after  we  arrived  at  the  foft,  tlte 
owners  of  the  horses  came  up,  carrying  their 
saddles  upon  their  backs.  They  had  been 
out  for  the  purpose  of  surveying  land,  and 
hid  turned  out  their  horses  to  f^ed.  After 
hearing  a  short  account  of  our  sufferings,  and 
being  made  acquainted  with  our  deplorable  con- 
dition, they  readily  replied,  with  seeming 
compassion,  that  they  were  only  sorry  we  had 
not  been  so  fortunate;  as  to  find  their  saddles 
likewise.  r 

After  wandering  in  the  wilderness  twenty 
two  days,  we  arrived  at  the  fort  on  the  ^d  day 
cf  October  l/SS — having  fjrded  rivers  of  wa- 


ii^ 


If 


M 

111  i 


% 


« 


ISS 


BSTDIAX 


".1 


iJh 


ter  up  to  our  shoulders;  traversing  through 
dismal  swauips,  the  hahitations  of  heasU  of 
prey  ;  and  climhiui;  mouritaius  of  rocks^  where 
no  human  eye  couhl  pity,  or  friends  censoio 
us  5  making  the  earth  our  hed  of  roposc  for 
the  night,  and  extreme  anxiety  our  constant 
companion  through  the  day ;  nearly  starved, 
and  almost  naked;  little  expecting  ever  again 
to  see  the  faces  of  our  f jiends,  or  to  behold 
those  habitations  which  witnessed  our  juve- 
nile years ;  wliere  we  enjoyed  the  kind  em- 
brac«b  of  a  tender  and  affectionate  mother,  and 
the  paternal  care  of  an  indulgent  father  ;  ex- 
pecting every  day  to  see  the  approach  of  that 
hour,  when  our  spirits  should  be  called  to 
leave  our  bodies  in  a  howling  wildernes, 
lo  become  food  for  wild  beasts,  and  our 
friends  to  lament  our  absence,  ignorant  of  our 
end.  After  enduring  all  this,  yea,  more 
than  pen  can  describe,  or  language  express ; 
who  can  tell  our  joy  and  gratitude,  when  we 
came  to  behold  a  *^  city  of  habitation,^'  and 
the  abodes  of  plenty !  What  heart  would  not 
palpitate  for  exceeding  great  joy,  at  such  an 
event !  Who  could  forbear^  to  speak  forth 
praise  to  the  Great  Preserver  of  men  on 
such  an  occasion  ?  Would  not  every  heart, 
susceptible  of  the  least  impression,  acknowl- 
edge the  hand  of  the  Almighty  in  so  great  a 
deliverance? 

Instead  of  making  our  bed  upon  the  cold 
grouwli  with  our  clothes  wet;  and  our  bodie« 


If  ,,ii 


a; 


CAPTR^E. 


itt 


henumtcd ;  wc  could  now  enjoy  sweet  repose 
by  the  fii'O  side,  sheltered  from  storms,  and 
surrounded  wUh  friends.  Instead  of  feeding 
upon  froi;s,  and  the  spontaneous  growth  of 
uncultivated  nature ;  subsisting  on  rowts  ;  twigs, 
and  bark ;  we  could  now  taste  the  fniits  of 
labour  and  indi%try  ;  and  feast  upon  the  boun- 
ties of  heaven.  Instead  of  wandering  through 
a  lonely  wilderness,  with  our  cheeks  wet  witR 
tears  of  sorrow,  almost  overwhelmed  with 
despair ;  we  could  now  travel  through  a  coun- 
try of  civilization,  free  from  enemies,  and 
receive  support  from  the  hand  of  cliarity. 

After  sharing  in  the  benevolence  of  many 
individuals,  aud  receiving  every  token  of 
friendship  from  the  garrison  at  the  fort;  as 
they  were  expecting  soon  to  be  attacked  by  tha 
British,  we  were  advised  to  travel  on  still  far- 
ther that  night,  that  we  might  be  the  more' 
safe  from  the  grasp  of  the  enemy. 

We  therefore  proceeded  on  towards  Rut- 
land, several  miles,  wlien  we  obtained  lodg- 
ing in  the  house  of  a  ^^poor  widow,^^  who 
furnished  us  with  the  best  food  her  house  af- 
forded; of  which  we  ate  heartily.  Having 
long  been  without  bread  of  any  kind,  and  be- 
ing now  furnished  with  a  full  supply  of  good 
wheat  bread ;  it  seemed  as  if  we  should  di» 
with  the  eifect  of  eating  it.  it  lay  like  lead 
in  our  stomachs,  and  caused  us  the  most  ago- 
nizing distress,  for  some  hours ;  while  we  roll- 
ed upon  the  floor,  with  bitter  groaning* ;  al- 


\U 


i 


130 


INDIAN 


E 


K 


'  '•''  ■  ilk 


viM 


■  r-(  : 


Kir* 


though  Avc  had  denied  oursolvw  the  saiUfiit- 
tion  of  eating  the  half  of  what  onv  appetites 
craved.  But  our  extreme  hunger  prevented 
the  exercise  of  prudence,  and  economy,  in 
the  choice  of  that  kind  of  f(»o<i  whicli  was  hest 
adapted  to  our  wretched  condition.  Nor  did 
we  wait  long  to  consult  ahAut  the  propri- 
ety, or  iiaproimety  of  eatinr  any  thing  we 
found  witliin  our  reach.  Our  avidity  for  food, 
however  soon  ahatcd,  when  we  found  no  inju- 
ry to  result  from  eating  all  we  desired. 

We  made  our  escape  on  the  night  of  the 
10th  of  Septemher;  amved  at  Lake  Cham- 
plain  in  ahout  ten  days ;  and  came  to  the  fort 
on  the  night  of  tlie  3d  day  of  Octoher  follow- 
ing 5  having  been  in  the  wilderness  twenty 
two  days,  without  speaking  k)  any  oth«r  per- 
son, excepting  our  own  company.*  'Tis  true, 
we  had  se«n  some  of  our  species,  at  a  distance 
from  us,  tho'  w  ith  terror  and  dismay ;  fearing 
their  approach  as  wc  should  have  done,  that  of 
9L  voracious  animal,  ready  to  devour  us. 

In  a  few  days,  we  arrived  at  Bennington,  in 
Bennington  County,  Vt.  where  we  were  eia- 

•Whrti  (lip  8iin  was  invisiMp, having  lost  oar  cora- 
jiais*.  ue  directed  our  course  by  ihe  moss  u\)on  trees, 
vliieli  IK  found  only  upon  I  lie  north  sido.  In  |)Assi  t'j^  o- 
verland  (imhyred  with  c«fdar,  which  has  n»  moa  upuri 
it,  we  M'ore  compellf>d  to  lipsiill,  and  wait  the  appear- 
ance of  tho  Sim ;  vrhi(  U  prolraolid  our  journt'jr  maay 
ila.y«. 


tit«8 
nied 
,  ill 
best 
(lid 
i>pvi- 
2;  wc 
food, 
injii- 

'  the 
ham- 
B  fort 
llow- 
venty 
per- 
true, 
tance 
ariiig 
latof 

>n^  in 

eia- 

com** 

trees, 

>i  1 2;  o- 

ppear- 
oiaay 


CAPTIVE. 


131 


ployed,  till  wo  had  acquirrd,  by  our  own  la- 
bor, and  the  benevolence  of  otbevH,  some  mo-? 
ney,  siiiBcient  to  enable  ua  to  prosecute  our 
jotirney  to  Connecticut. 

Ilaviui:;  travelled  many  days,  through  th« 
woods,  almost  destitnlc  of  any  covering  f§r 
our  feel,  they  h^d  become  very  sore,  which 
prevented  our  g(»ing  fir  in  a  day. 

Assisted  by  the  jjand  of  charity,  and  by 
means  of  occasional  labour  on  the  way,  we 
were  enabled  to  reach  our  fi icnds.  Being  des- 
tined to  diflerent  places,  o^  •  companions,  Clark 
and  Sprague,  j^eparated  from  us  at  Bennin'^ton. 
By  a  mutual  ])articipation  of  suflerings,  we 
had  ac(piired  that  affeclifm  for  each  other, 
which  will  remain  I  trust  till  death.  Having 
suffered  many  hardships,  and  endured  many 
trials  together ;  having  been  rescued  from  ma- 
ny dangers  and  delivered  out  of  many  troub- 
les :  sharing  equally  in  hunger,  pains  and  dis- 
tress, as  well  as  in  the  j'^ys  resulting  from 
our  deliverance;  we  now  reluctantly  parted, 
affectionately  taking  our  leave,  perhaps  never 
again  to  see  each  other,  till  we  shall  meet  in 
that  world,  where  "  the  weary  be  at  rest. 
There  the  imsoners  rest  together,  they  hear 
not  the  ^  oice  of  the  oppressor.  Th«  small 
and  the  great  are  tlieio,  and  the  servant  i« 
free  from  Ids  roaster!'' 

And  may  it  not  be  the  unspeakable  infelidr 
ty  of  either  of  us,  to  fail  of  ''  entering  into  that 
rest  because  of  unbelief.'^ 


I 


i 


ise 


INDIAN 


Belknap  and  I  continued  our  course  togeth- 
er  to  Ellington,  in  Connecticut^  where  our 
friends  resided.  We  arrived  there  on  the 
iTth  day  of  October  1/82 — being  just  two 
years,  from  the  day  I  was  taken  by  the  In- 
dian$  at  Randolph.  W)iat  pen  can  des- 
cribe the  mutual  joy  which  w^s  felt  by  pa- 
rents and  childrei.  on  our  arrnal !  Truly  our 
fathers,  ^"^  seeing  us,  while  yet  a  great  fVay 
off,  ran  and  fell  upon  otir  necks,  and  kissed 
us.'^  Behold  now  the  afTection  of  a  father ! 
See  him  shed  the  tear  of  compassion.  Hear 
him  say  '^  this  my  son  was  de?  d^  and  is  alive 
again.  He  was  'ost  and  is  found.'^  See  him 
*^  begin  to  be  merry  ;'^  nor  think  it  strange 
that  the  fatted  calf  should  be  killed. 

Beheld  a  kind  father  in  tears  of  joy,  and 
a  tender  step -mother,*  kindly  embracing  th« 
feubject  of  her  husband's  former  grief,  but  pre- 
sent delight,  bee  ''  the  best  robe''  cast  around 
him  with  ^^  the  ring  upon  his  hand,  and  the 
shoes  upon  his  feet."  See  brothers  and  sis- 
ters suiTounding  the  returned  brother.  Heai* 
their  acclamations  of  joy  and  gladness  •.  embra- 
cing their  o?ice  lost,  but  now  living  brother ! 
What  heart  would  not  melt  atthe  sight  of  *?ach 
fL  joyful  scene  !  And  what  can  I  say  to  express 
my  own  feelings  on  this  delightful  interview  ! 

*My  o^^(\  mother  died  ^hile  I  was  quite  foung,  an^ 
my  fa'har  had  married  a^ain.  to  a  woraau  poysessing 
Che  ki)}d€St  actuations;  a^d  the  uxoitt  eadearing  Uve. 


■>* 


CAPTIVE. 


i83 


and 
;  th« 

pre- 
oimcl 
tl  the 

sis- 
Heai' 

bra- 

her  I 

^uch 
press 

iew ! 


Ma\ine;  endured  the  ^.ardship9  of  an  Indian 
Captivity,  and  tlic  pains  of  the  Prison ;  the 
gnawings  of  hunger ;  the  tortures  of  the  rack^ 
and  the  still  more  dreadful  distress  of  22  day'« 
wandering  in  the  wilderness  ;  filled  with  des- 
pair, anxiety  and  fear ;  almost  starved,  and 
nearly  naked ;  full  of  wounds,  and  constant- 
ly chilled  with  the  cold ;  imagine,  kind  read- 
er, the  feelings  of  ray  heart,  ^vhen  I  came  to 
behold  the  face  of  affectionate  parents,  and 
rer.eive  the  tender  embraces  of  beloved  brothers 
and  St  loving  sister !  Think  of  tlie  festivities 
of  that  evening,  when  I  could  again  enjoy  a  seat 
in  a  social  circle  of  friends  and  acquaint- 
ance, around  the  fireside  in  my  ftither's  house  \ 

Vain  is  the  attempt  to  describe  my  own  feel- 
ings on  that  joyful  occasion.  Fruitless,  in- 
deed, must  be  all  my  endeavers,  to  express 
the  mutual  congratulations,  manifested  by  all, 
on  my  return. 

My  loi?3  absence  from  my  friends,  together 
with  a  sense  of  the  numerous,  and  awful 
dangers  through  which  I  have  been  preserved, 
increaseed  our  gratitude,  and  caused  wonder 
and  astonishment  to  dwell  in  every  l)ipeast. 
W3  could  now  heartily  unite  in  nscri|ii(}g 
praise  and  adoration  to  Him,  who  granted  Itie 
protection,  while  expose*!  to  tlie  shafts  of  ha- 
tred  and  rftvenge.  I  was  treated  with  all  tkat 
friendship,  which  pity  could  excite,  or  sympa- 
thy dictate ;  and  saluted  by  every  person  I 
m«it,  whether  old  or  you»s«    witk  a  heartY 

M 


'Ift4 


INDIAK 


m 


*<4 

?:i  I'i' 


welcome.  Every  one  seemed  to  be  in  a  good 
degree  conscious  of  the  extreme  sufferings  I 
had  undergone.  In  short,  my  return  afforded 
me  an  opportunity  to  witness  a  diplay  of  all 
the  tender  passions  of  th(i  soul. 

Knowing  the  deplorable  wretchedness  of 
tliose  who  had  the  misfortune  to  ])ecome  pris- 
oners to  the  British,  and  consequently  expect- 
ing every  day>  to  hear  of  my  dfeath,  my  friends 
were  little  le«s  astonished  at  ray  return,  than 
they  wouhl  have  been,  had  they  witnessed  the 
resurrection  of  one  from  the  dead. 

The  extreme  hunger  and  distress  I  had  felt, 
were  clearly  manifested,  to  those  who  beheld 
my  emaciated  countenance  and  mangled  feet ; 
and  no  cue  was  disposed  to  Aoubt  the  truth  of 
.my  words,  who  heard  me  relate  the  affecting 
tale  of  my  sore  afflictions.  For  "  by  reason  of 
the  voice  of  my  groanings,  my  bones''  it  might 
verily  be  said  ('id  ^*  cleave  to  my  skin.''  I 
however  had  the  satisfaction  to  find  my  deep 
anxiety  to  be  delivered  ftom  bondage,  and  Es- 
cape from  the  enemy ;  my  ardent  wishes  to 
see  my  friends,  and  my  hungry,  craving  appe- 
tite, W^holly  satisfied,  in  the  full  fruition  of  all 
my  toils.  The  munificence  of  the  wealthy 
was  offered  for  my  I'elief,  and  ti>e  poor  ap- 
proached me,  with  looks  of  tenderness  and 
pity.  All  things  around  me,  wore  a  propi 
tious  smili?.  From  morning  till  night,  instead 
of  being  ;^uarded  by  a  company  of  i^efugees 
*n«l  tories,  or  wandering  in  a  lonesome  wii 


»finmi»pi 


CAPTIVE. 


139 


-l^'; 


good 
ngs  I 
brdcd 
of  all 

iSS    of 

i  pris- 
icpect- 
riends 
,  than 
ed  the 

d  felt, 
)eheld 
feet; 
uth  of 
ectihg 
isonof 
might 
''     I 
deep 
nd  ^s- 
lies  to 
appe- 
of  all 
ealthy 
or  ap- 
is and 
propi 
nstead 
jfugees 


derness,  hungry  and  defititutc,  I  could  now 
behold  the  face  of  friend;^,  and  at  the  ap- 
proach of  night,  repose  my  head  upon  a  downy 
pillow,  under  the  hospitable  covert  of  my  fath- 
er's roof.  Instesd  of  being  made  a  compan- 
ion of  the  wretched,  I  could  now  ©njoy  the 
sweet  conversation  of  a  beloved  sister,  and  af- 
fectionatc  brothers. 

Having  for  more  than  two  years  been  de- 
prived of  hearing  th®  Gospel  sound ;  surely 
"  I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  let  us 
go  into  the  house  of  the  Lord.''  For,  unto 
Gt)d,  I  rould  say  "  Thou  art  my  hiding  place, 
thou  shalt  preserve  me  from  trouble,  thou 
I  T*«lt  compass  m©  about  v»  ith  songs  of  deliver- 
ance. I  will  Jtii^giad  and  rejoice  in  thy  name, 
for  thou  hast  coT^'^idcred  *^iy  trouble,  thou  has^ 
known  my  soul  in  adversity."  This,  I  hoped 
would  be  the  language  of  every  one,  who 
made  their  escape  with  me.  For  myself,  t 
trust  it  was  the  sincere  language  of  my  heait. 

Notwithstanding  the  prisoners,  whom  we 
left  on  the  Island,  were  set  at  liberty,  shortly 
after  aur  escape,  and  although  our  sufferings 
in  th  r  iMerness,  were  exceeding  great ;  yet, 
I  nevex  i  jund  cause  to  lament,  that  I  improv- 
ed the  opportunity  to  free  myself  from  the 
Lands  of  those  cruel  tormenters,  and  oppress- 
ors of  the  afflicted.  For  ^^the  spirit  of  a  man 
will  sustain  liis  infirmity."  And  under  this 
mi  ideration,  we  chose  rather  to  hazard  the  con- 
ies;;. ince&  of  an  escape,  though  it  might  prove 


\i 


ISS 


INDIAN 


IV] 


m 


m\ 


'.* 


W: 


M. 


i:f 


H,  ' 


i>  *' 


%  H 


it     i 


m 


■ii- 


U    I''   jF 


our  deaths  than  t^}  becorae  tlie  menial  servants^ 
and  thus  gratify  the  infernal  desires  of  a  pctiy 
tyrant. 


(4 


•Now  I  fee!  by  proftf, 


That  fpll(»whhip  in  pain  dirides  not  sri^art, 
Nor  iishiena  ought  each  man's  peculiar  ioad/» 

T  have  never  had  the  satisfaction  to  hear 
from  either  of  my  friends  and  fellow- suiferers^ 
Clark  and  Spraguc,  since  I  parted  with  thenv 
Sii  Bennincton. 

Mr.  Belknap,  now  lives  in  Randolph,  YU 
and  from  iht  sad  e-*T>erience  of  the  like  suffer- 
ings himself,  and  h*!.  -rticipation  in  my  own, 
can  witness  to  the  truta  of  my  statement. 

Let  not  the  preservation  of  mp  life,  through 
luch  a  train  of  dangers,  be  attributed  to  mere 
chance.  But  let  the  praij^e  be  given  to  '^  God 
02ir  Rock,  and  the  High  God,  our  Reedeemer.^^ 

In  September,  previous  to  my  escape,  a 
treaty  of  peace  was  concluded  between  Great 
Britain  and  the  United  States,  ^t  Paris ;  the 
glad  news  of  which  reached  America,  not  long 
after  my  return,  which  occasioned  the  release 
of  the  remainder  of  the  prisoners,  whot  were 
confined  wpon  Prison-Island. 

As  the  war  had  now  terminated,  my  return 
to  Randolph,  would  not  be  attended  with  the>,^ 
danger  of   being  again  made  captive  by  the 
Indians ;  which  induced  me,  the  spring  fol-  • 
lowing,  to  go  to  that  place,  and  resum^e  my  s(^t- 
tleiKient, 


. 


CAPTIVE. 


isr 


Oft  my  arrival  there,  I  found  my  house  was 
demolished,  which  recalled  to  mind,  the  con- 
fusion and  horror  of  that  dreadful  morning, 
when  the  savage  trihe  approached  with  awful 
aspect,  ray  lonely  dwelling.  I  went  to  worl:  and 
erected  a  house,  upon  the  saiiic  spot,  intc 
which,  my  father  shortly  after  moved  his  ftim- 
ily.  The  grass  seed,  which  the  Indiatis  Lail 
scattered  for  some  distance  from  the.  h(>u!»e,  ;iji 
hefore  observed,  had  taken  root,  stocUtd  the 
ground,  and  remained  entire,  for  many  years  a 
fresh  memento  of  that  woeful  event,  which 
proved  but  a  f^int  prelude  of  all  my  direful 
suflerings. 

Here  my  ftitiicr  lived  by  cultivating  that 
feoil,  v/hich  had  borne  the  brutal  band  to  my 
unwelcome  door;  till  April  181:?^  when  he 
died,  at  the  good  old  age  of  Seventy' Six, 
Here  he  has  spent  many  a  win^r's  evening, 
in  rchearsing^tlie  mournful  tal^^  of  my  *•  cap- 
tivity and  sufferings,^^  to  his  *jfi'ieads  and  ac- 
nuaintauce.        '  .* 

Generous  and  hospitalilo  by  nature,  ancj 
having  been  taught  b^^y  sufferings  to  ftiel 
far  the  needy,  he  waj^f^ver  ready  to  e^^tend  th^ 
hand  of  charity^  l^elieva  their  distresses — His 
Jiouse,  alwgy-j^*  the  abode  of  plenty,  was  an 
asylumjw  the  naked  and  forlorn,  an  accepta^ 
bl^r^kobic  to  the  poor  and  the  wretched. 
^  Always  exhibiting  a  sense  of  what  suffer- 
ings I  had  undergone,  for  want  of  food ;  h© 
^eeiued  in  nothing;  to  be  mere  delighted,  t|^iva 

M  2 


138 


INDIAN 


It     ' . 
\v  i 


I' ■)''■.'■ 

it  y 


'|?^K 


ii 


^^to  feed  the  huiiffrv,  aail  clothe  the  uaked/^ 
IJy  loviDg  iuul  ae;e(l  step-mother,  with  one  of 
her  sons  (a  half  biother  of  mine)  now  lives  ou 
the  same  farm. 

In  the  winter  of  lySi'i — I  w^is  married  to 
Hannah  Bhnrtlifl*,  of  Tolland,  Connecticut, 
and  settled  at  Randolph,  not  far  from  ray  fath- 
ers lionse,  Avhere  I  resided  ci^ht  years,  when 
I  purchased  a  farm ;  and  removed  to  Brook- 
field,  a  town  adjoinini;, 

Here  I  have  resided,  nutil  the  present  timt 
(1816,)  and  obtained  my  own  subsistance,  and. 
that  of  my  numerous  family,  by  means  of  cultiva^ 
ting  the  soil.  By  a  steady  cmirse  of  industry, 
r.nd  eccncmy,  I  have  been  enabled,  nndor  the 
Divine  blesj^ing,  to  acqvrire  a  comfortable  sup-, 
port,  and  enjoy  the  fi*uits  of  my  labors,  in 
quietude  and  peace.  As  my  occupation  wai^ 
that  tf  a  farmer,  my  opportunities  for  infor-r 
mation,  like  those  of  many  others  of  my  class, 
have  been  limited, 

jVIy  family,  not  unlike  Job's,  coRsists  of 
seveu  gons  and  three  daughters ;  nor  have  I 
reason  to  think  my'afflijCtipu*  much  inferior  to 
his.  Although  death  has  never  beeii  permited 
V>  enter  my  dwelling  and  take  any  of  my  fainily> 
vet,  my  substance  has  once  been  destroyed,  by 
worse  than  Chg,ldean  hands,  and  that  too  at  the 
yery  outset  of  my  adventures  in  life.  Not  on- 
ly were  my  house  and  effects  destroyed,  but 
jnyself,  at  a  most  unpropitious  hour,  when  far 
jrenjoved  from  all   my   friends,    coinpelle4  to 


CAPl'IVB. 


139 


J^ave  my  employment;  relinquish  all  those 
objects  of  enterprise,  peculiar  to  the  juvenile 
nge,  and  forced  to  enter  the  ranks  of  a  savaga 
band,  and  travel  into  an  cneray^s  country. 
Thus  were  all  my  expectations  cut  off.  My 
hopes  were  blasted,  and  my  youthful  pros- 
pects darkened  !  •••  £  was  not  in  sitfety,  ijeither 
had  1  rest,  neither  was  I  qui^t';  yet  troubltt 
came.  O  that  my  grief  were  thoroughly  weigh- 
ed, an<l  my  calamity  laid  ia  the  balances  tQ» 
gether.'^ 

When  I  survey  my  m'^'rifts  o'ej% 

'VUe  lec  )llf'ctio/i  v%fMirid<*  my  heart: 
\V}»(_n  i\\\  my  sh  p«j  were  irac'd  in  gire^ 

Aud  i  \vt»i  ijuoni'd  tM  feel  ibe  sHiurt. 

V/hi^n  sore  ofjpresfcM  by  v.icked  bri'Mlis. 

AnnoyM  will  1»inia:»r,  rackM   ^^Ulipaio, 
Hlv  li  .lbs  G  i!;i\  t*(]  wiiii  irou  bAn,l«!, 

'Jo  die,  1  vitil  might  c(»uiil  ir.y  g^,'n\. 

When  fil  hy  vermirj  broke  my  rest, 

Aiid  ltd  up  Ml  my  languid  iVaDi?; 
Wii.il  pains  \>ere  feh  within  my  breast! 

Bw  nieii  were  deaf  lo  pity's  elaiin. 

When  I  was  btirifd  in  the  deep^ 

Aud  wafers  o^er  my  head  did  roll. 
My  b'  pe  was  ftrong  lUtki  Christ  v>oo!J  keep, 

And  kindly  save  my  guilty  suul. 

Notwithstanding  that  inhumanity  and  cruelr 
ty  wiiich  characterized  the  conduct  of  the  sar- 
age«,  yet^  I  think  that  the  barbarous  treatmfint 
«ye  ireceivedi  from  the  impioi^s  commander^  of 


■ap 


^p 


1^ 


mDIAN 


the  British  fort,  in  who<«e  charge  we  were 
kept^  might  put  to  the  blush,  the  rudest  sav- 
age, who  traverses  the  western  wild.  Their 
coHduct  illy  comported  with  what  might  be 
expected  from  men,  wlio  are  favored  with  the 
light  of  revelation. 

The  savage,  when  lie  does  a  deed  of  char- 
ity towards  hi#j  prisoner,  is  no  doubt,  less  liable 
to  be  actuated  by  a  selfish  principle,  and  in- 
fluenced by  the  hope  of  reward,  or  by  a  fear  of 
loosing  his  reputiition,  than  he  is,  wiio  has 
been  made  acquainted  with  the  gracious  re- 
ward offered  to  those  who  ^^  do  unto  others  as 
they  w  ould  that  others  should  do  unto  thcu^/' 
and  knows  the  bitter  consequences  of  the  con- 
trary-practice. 

And,  I  think,  the  destruction  of  RoyaltoH, 
and  all  its  evil  consequences,  may,  with  less 
propriety,  be  attributed  to  the  brutal  malevo- 
ienee,  of  the  savage  tribe,  than  to  the  ignoble 
treaehery,  and  despicable  fanaticism  of  certain 
individuals  of  our  own  nation. 

Scarce  can  that  man  be  fi)und  in  this  en- 
lightened country,  who  would  treat  his  enemy 
with  as  much  tenderness  and  compassion,  as  I 
was  treated  by  the  savage  tribe  5  though  I  had 
abundant  cause  to  say,  that  the  "  tender  mercies 
of  the  wicked,  are  cruel.'^ 

Who  would  not  shudder  at  the '  idea  of  be- 
ing compelled  to  take  up  their  abode  with  a 
herd  of  tawny  savages?  Yet,  alas!  when  I 
c<mtrasted  the  sufferings  I  endured,  while  witH 


■■-..,  "^v 


#JM«9.# 


CAPTIVE. 


141 


en- 

my 

las  I 

had 

kies 

be- 
lib  a 
in  I 

viiH 


ihft  Indians,  with  tkosc  afflictions,  that  were 
laid  ujion  me,  hy  men,  who  had  been  from 
their  youth  favored  with  tlie  advantages  of  cir- 
ilization,  clothed  with  authority,  and  distin- 
guished with  a  badge  of  honor  ;  X  couhl  truly 
say,  the  former  chastisad  me  with  whips,  but 
the  latter  Avitli  scorpions. 

An  Indian  captivity,  will  hardly  admtt  of  a 
comparison  with  my  wretched  condition,  while 
in  the  hands  of  the  British,  and  under  the 
domineering  power  of  a  company  of  refugees; 
and  tories. 

While  with  the  IndiaMS,  my  food  was  un- 
savory and  unwholesome,  my  clothing,  like 
their  own,  was  scant,  and  covered  with  filthy 
vermin ;  and  my  life  was  always  exposed  tor 
the  danger  of  their  implacable  hatred  and  re- 
venge. This  was  a  most  perilous  condition^ 
indeed,  for  any  one  to  be  placed  in.  But  my 
cottfinL»,meiat  with  the  British,  multiplied  my 
compiaintji,  added  to  my  aflBictious,  rendered 
me  more  exposed  to  the  danger  of  loosing  my 
life,  increased  my  sorrows,  and  apparently 
brought  me  near  the  grave^  My  food  wtts  lesft 
fiilthy,*  but  I  was  not  allowed  the  half  of  what 
my  appetite  craved,  and  my  nature  required, 
to  render  me  comfortable. 

By  these,  and  my  subsequent  afflictions,  I 
have  been  taught  a  iQason,  thiit  has  made  au 
impression  upon  my  mind,  which  t  trust  wiU 
f emain  as  long  as  life  ihall  last,  r 


-Su... 


14^ 


INDIAN  CAPTIVE. 


M 
..,| 

M 


w.. 


I  have  been  taught  by  ocular  demons iratio% 
and  sad  experience,  the  depravity  of  man; 
aiwl  the  fallacy  of  looking  for  durable  happi- 
ness in  terrestrial  things. 

My  own  suftering«,  have  implanted  within; 
my  breast,  that  i^ijipathy  for  the  distressed, 
which  is  better  felt  than  described.  Naked- 
ness and  poverty  have  once,  been  my  compan- 
ions, and  I  shall  not  readily  forget  to  lend  a 
listening  ear  to  the  cries  of  the  needy. 

And  I  would  exhort  myself,  and  all  my  fel- 
low men,  by  the  extreme  suflFerings  I  hav^ 
endured,  to  be  rea,(ly  at  all  times  to  ^^feed  the 
hungry,  and  clothe  the  naked  ;^^  nor  ever  fail 
to  extend  the  hand  of  charity  for  the  assistai^qe 
i)t  the  unfortunate. 


■^M 


■  .>-■■. 


-r 


-i  ■i.-.-a.,J:.r.4 


'ikS 


Barnes  of  a  fart  of  the  persons  killed  and  h^ 
ken  at  the  liiirning  of  Rojfalton, 

Zadock  Steele,  taken  at  Randolph. 

Experience  Davif, 

Elias  Curtis, 

J.  Parks, 

Mo«cs  Parsons, 

Simeon  Belknap,  now  living  in  lian- 
dolp. 

Samuel  Pember, 

Thomas  Pember,  killed  at  Royalton. 

Gardner  Rix>  now  living  in  Royalton. 

Daniel  Downer, 

Joseph  Kneeland,  killed  at  the  encamp- 
ment at  Randolph. 

Jonathan  Brown,  now  i^esiding  in  Wilh 
iamstown. 

Adan  Durkee,  died  at  Montreal. 

Joseph  Uavens, 

Abijah  Hutchinson, 

John  Hutchinson,  now  living  in  Bethel, 

. — — ^  Avery, 

John  Kent, 

Peter  Mason, 

Giles  Gibbs,  killed  at  Randolph. 

Elias  Button,  killed  at  Royalton, 

Nathaniel  Gilbert. 


-/.? 


The  foil  owing  persons  tvere  released  by  thf 
intercession  of  Mrs,  Hendee. 

Daniel  Downer,  jr. 
Andrew  Durkee, 


4\ 


mm 


fm 


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Michael  Hcndee^ 
ttoswcl  Parkhurgt, 
Shelden  Durkee, 
Joseph  Rix, 
Rufu9  Fish, 
•^— —  Fish, 
Naikaniel  £vanf. 


♦>'X; 


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t**ijw. 


^mmmass 


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